poolepartyof5

Pretty Pickled Beets

Published on May 9, 2013 by poolepartyof52 Comments

Recently I heard beets described as “pedestrian”. I was shocked… at first. I thought to myself, “In what world are beets pedestrian?” But after chewing on this for awhile, I am ready to admit that the presence of beets on restaurant menus has become de rigueur. Like caesar salad, beets have become a mainstay within restaurant culture, everyone has their own slightly different version – some more successful than others. Because of my love of beets, I can be counted on to order pretty much any beet on a menu. I am very reliable that way. Whereas at one point in time I was just happy to see the word “beet” on a menu, now I am becoming an expert and paying attention to how the beets are prepared and what accompaniments they are served with. This has made me realize that not all treatments of beets are equal and I have become more discerning in my “beet love”.

Here are my unscientific findings:

I prefer beets cold versus warm
I like beets best in salad form, greens optional
Beets show off very well alongside salty cheeses (such as feta or goat) and earthy nuts (such as pistachios or walnuts)
Roasted beets are nice, but I have learned that I like them better once they have been marinated in vinaigrette or pickled. They are similar to mushrooms in that they are a great vehicle for other flavors, since their own flavor can be subtle and earthy.

If you are thinking about preparing beets at home, it can feel a bit intimidating at first, with their long greens and dirt-covered skins. But roasting beets is quite simple and I recommend that you try it, if you haven’t before. (Here is a step-by-step guide to roasted beets.) Pre-prepared beets are also available in most grocery stores. I even saw a huge container of them at Costco the other day (maybe they are pedestrian after all)! The question is, what do you do with these beets once roasted or taken out of their vacuum pack? Have you opened that container, hoping to replicate your favorite restaurant-quality salad only to be a bit disappointed? I have learned that by just letting them hang out in a vinaigrette for a half hour or so before adding them to a salad does wonders, or… (drum roll, please)… You can pickle them for later use!

This is my first foray into the world of pickled beets. When I began to think about attempting this project, I did my usual routine of consulting all of my canning cookbooks to compare processes and flavors. Every canning cookbook I own had their own slightly different version of beets. This tells me that although I am new to the process, the pickling of beets is quite standard. The recipe I ended up adapting is from Kelly Geary and Jessie Knadler’s book, Tart and Sweet: 101 Canning and Pickling Recipes for the Modern Kitchen. I liked that their recipe for Sweet Apple Cider Baby Beets didn’t use loads of sugar and the spices seemed nicely aromatic, but not too crazy. I have doubled the recipe in their book and added white onions, as I believe if you are going to the trouble of canning you may as well make more than just a few pints, if possible.

Pretty Pickled Beets

yield: about 8 pints

ingredients:

6 pounds baby beets, scrubbed

1 white onion, cut into large slices

4 cups water

2 cups cider vinegar

4 tablespoons kosher salt

4 tablespoons brown sugar or honey

per jar:

1/2 teaspoon allspice berries

1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns

1 star anise pod

1 cinnamon stick

Have ready hot, sterilized jars and their lids. (After cleaning my jars, I like to keep them in a 200 degree oven so that they are ready when I am.)

Trim the beets by cutting off the top part, near the stem, as well as the root end. Place the beets in a large non-reative pot (if using different-colored beets, separate them into two saucepans). Cover with water and boil for about 15 minutes, or until the beets are just tender. (Roasting the beets is also fine.) When the cooked beets are cool enough to handle, peel them and cut into slices 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick.

(Note: The beet skins should slip off easily – just rub them with your fingers. You can wear latex gloves to prevent your fingers from getting stained. If you have trouble slipping off the skins, you can also use a vegetable peeler.)

In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the vinegar, water, salt, and brown sugar to a boil. Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved.

Place allspice, peppercorns, star anise, and cinnamon in each hot jar. Divide beet and onion slices among the jars, packing tightly without bruising them. Ladle the hot vinegar mixture into jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Make sure the beets are fully covered with the liquid.

Check for air bubbles, wipe rims, and seal. Process in a water bath for 10 minutes. Let the jars stand undisturbed for 24 hours and then set them aside for 1 week for the flavors to develop. If a seal has failed, store the jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Enjoy your beets straight from the jar or mixed into a salad!

Happy Pickling!

Choose Kindness

Published on May 3, 2013May 3, 2013 by poolepartyof5Leave a comment

A small gift from one friend to another... — A small gift from one friend to another…

Is my preoccupation with the idea of kindness because I am adjusting to the fact that my oldest will be starting elementary school in the fall? Is it that I am around the 5-&-under set all day long and witness both trivial and monumental disputes on an hourly basis? Is it possible that R. J. Palacio’s book, Wonder, has entered my consciousness in ways I am still trying to figure out? Yes, on all accounts.

My husband and friends can attest to the fact that I am someone who is highly sensitive to the media that surrounds me. Books, song lyrics, and television all touch me in ways that can alter my outlook for weeks at a time. Because of this “media sensitivity”, we just do not watch scary movies in our home. Then, there was that time that I was reading The Black Dahlia and Gone Girl in book club, and I was sure my husband was evil. Believe me, he isn’t, but I think I slept with one eye open for a full week… You can imagine how much he loved that phase. Well, the opposite is true too. When I have been positively touched by a book, that sentiment stays with me as well and for a time becomes the lens with which I view the world.

Wonder, is that kind of book.

August Pullman was born with a facial deformity that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting fifth grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face… In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope. R. J. Palacio has called her debut novel “a meditation on kindness”—indeed, every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. (from http://choosekind.tumblr.com/)

Each day we have the option to “choose kindness” in big and small ways that can have huge meaning to those around us. When we are in line for a cup of coffee, do you greet the barista with a smile, or feel annoyed that you had to wait? When you see that other preschool mom that never smiles, do you say “hello” anyway? When you fix yourself a cup of water, do you get one for your partner? When you are sitting at the lunch table are you the person that scoots over to make room for someone new? Or, do you look away? Whether out of fear, insecurity, and shyness over the years, I can think of too many examples where I have been one to look away. But… I’d like to be the person who moves over and makes room for one more. The one that smiles and says hello. A person who actively chooses kindness.

Recently, another preschool mom remarked that she enjoyed a post I wrote about struggling with friendships that are in transition (click here to read, In Between). She voiced that lately she felt as though she is “back in high school”. I think that what she meant by this is she feels the constant effort of trying to make new friends and find one’s place. We can all relate to this universal struggle. Yet it is see easy to see peers acting critically of one another, casting judgement without empathy. Aren’t parents (and women specifically) known for this frustrating behavior? In Wonder, there is a quote that states, “If every person in this room made it a rule that wherever you are, whenever you can, you will try to act a little kinder than is necessary – the world really would be a better place.” I feel like it all boils down to that. Being kinder than is necessary. Whether you are a child entering elementary school, a teenager searching for acceptance, or an adult still looking for your place, we can all choose kindness as a place to start. That much is within our power. If I could pass just one lesson onto my children, I believe this might be it. I think that these small acts can move mountains.

Wonder has started a national movement that I wasn’t aware of as I began writing this post. Kids are reading Wonder and realizing how important these acts of kindness are in our relationships. There is even a CHOOSE KIND pledge. There have been so many examples of hate and cruelty around us lately, it is possible to wonder if there is any good left in the world? But here is an example of love and grace. People are signing this pledge and believing in kindness (I think I am number 11,331)! Whether you sign the pledge or not, I hope that next time (and every time after that) you choose to be “kinder than is necessary”.

Dill Carrots

Published on April 25, 2013 by poolepartyof51 Comment

It is getting to be that time of year again! Canning season is approaching and Dill Carrots seem like the perfect recipe to begin the season. This great recipe is perfect for beginners as it is super easy and very straightforward. If you have never tried it, pickling something is extremely satisfying! You get to hear the joyous “pop, pop, pop” sounds in you kitchen as your jars seal… And it requires less time and stirring than small-batch jams. Plus, the vibrant jewel-toned colors are enough to brighten anyone’s day!

Dill Carrots were introduced to me by a friend who also claims the title of “most accomplished canning lady I know.” She brought them to a canning party I threw and everyone raved about them. When she mentioned that her kids gobble them up too, we all immediately requested the recipe! Dill Carrots is inspired by a the recipe in Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving. This canning cook book is a great guide for just about anything you might wish to preserve. The Dill Carrots recipe is quite versatile in that you can add spice (or not), make with fresh dill (or use dried if not available), cut up carrots from the garden (or use bagged baby carrots from the grocery store). All variations produce a nice perky flavor that will add interest to your antipasti trays or make a great garnish for sandwiches. This time around I decided to double the batch and make half out of bagged carrots and half cut from full size. I will report back in a few weeks if I can tell any real difference in the flavor or texture of this variation. I also omitted the red pepper flakes, as I wanted to make this batch family-friendly!

Dill Carrots

Makes about seven pint (500 mL) jars

6 cups white vinegar

2 cups water

1/2 cup pickling or canning salt

7 cloves of garlic, halved

14 sprigs of fresh dill (if using dried dill, use 1/2 teaspoon per jar)

3 1/2 teaspoons hot pepper flakes (optional)

5 lbs carrots (20-30 medium, ends removed, peeled and cut diagonally)

Prepare canning water, jars, and lids.

In a large steel saucepan, combine vinegar, water and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve salt.

Place 1 clove (2 halves) of garlic, 1 sprig of dill, and 1/2 tsp of hot pepper flakes (if using), in each hot jar. Pack carrots into hot jars to within a generous 1/2 inch of top of jar. Top with second sprig of dill. Ladle hot pickling liquid into jar to cover carrots, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Insert chop stick or skewer into jar and move around to release air bubbles. Wipe rim with wet paper towel. Center lid on jar. Screw band down until resistance is met, then increase to fingertip-tight.

Place jars in boiling water bath, ensuring they are completely covered with water. Process for 10 minutes. Remove jars, let cool completely, and store. Your Dill Carrots will reach full flavor after a few weeks of “marinating”.

You will be surprised by how popular these guys are. We easily go through a jar whenever one is opened whether we have company, or it is just our family snacking on them. You can see that my kids are reaching for them even as I make them!

A few more tips: Remember that canning is about preserving great produce, so can with the best ingredients you can find. When packing jars for pickling, pack the jars as tightly as possible, without bruising produce, as the liquid will make everything float and ingredients will shift around. I find that I never cease to be surprised by this. Canning, especially if you are just beginning, is always more fun with a friend or two. Use this project as the excuse to get together with a like-minded friend! The act of having a project to do together always takes away the guilt I feel when just getting together with someone for coffee and a much-needed catch up. That may not be your hang up, but it is one of mine.

Happy Pickling!

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Serious Kale

Published on April 17, 2013 by poolepartyof51 Comment

I have been obsessed with kale salad for two weeks now. I recently went to dinner at Serious Pie in Seattle. If you are not familiar, this is one of Tom Douglas’ restaurants. Tom Douglas is a Seattle restauranteur, famous for his delicious crab cakes and many successful restaurants. At Serious Pie, he has re-imagined pizza for the better. The crust is super thin and topped with delicious items that although delicious, sometimes require a bit of navigational help from one’s server. My favorite pizza on the menu is the traditional buffalo mozzarella, tomato and basil; showcasing the beautiful technique and high quality ingredients used at this establishment. We often order this simple beauty along with a more exotic pie, think seasonal mushroom and truffle cheese or sweet fennel sausage. The pizza is phenomenal, but leaving the restaurant on this particular night, I was still thinking about kale.

We had decided to try Serious Pie’s second location, Serious Pie Westlake. I prefer this location to the original, it seems to have a bit more seating and there was no wait at all! We ordered our food, planning to share. The kale salad arrived I had to hold myself back from gobbling down the whole dish. A second plate was quickly requested from our server. Not only did it taste fresh and lemony, but the texture was nicely soft.

I have been riding on the kale bandwagon since last summer. My husband literally rolled his eyes when I start whipping up yet another kale salad. Usually they involve everything but the kitchen sink, but not this one. This salad’s beauty is in its restraint. I had to try to recreate it.

Serious Kale

(inspired by the kale at Serious Pie), serves 4

Ingredients:

1 bunch lacinato (or Tuscan) kale

1 1/2 oz Garlic Olive Oil

juice of 1 lemon (about 2 oz)

1/3 cup finely grated parmesan (I prefer pecorino), reserve a bit for a garnish

pinch of sea salt (to taste)

1/3 cup pine nuts

finely sliced calabrian chilies (used at Serious Pie, but omitted this time around in hopes that my kids might try it)

Wash and cut out ribs of kale. Dispose of ribs. Roughly chop greens. Massage chopped kale with olive oil, lemon juice, parmesan and salt (I find this part nicely therapeutic). Let rest 30-45 minutes. This step is important. By allowing the kale to marinate and rest, the texture softens dramatically. Add pine nuts and salt to taste. Garnish with additional parmesan. Serve. Enter culinary nirvana…

So this is my second attempt at trying to get this recipe just right. Last week I tried it and amazingly, three of the four of us who enjoyed dinner together were all attempting it on the same night! Seriously, Serious Pie??? We had not spoken since having dinner the week before. Clearly I was not the only one dreaming of kale…

Gratitude

Published on April 11, 2013April 11, 2013 by poolepartyof51 Comment

There is a man in my life that deserves some thanks.

Every morning my kids make a bit of a stink about getting ready for school and then an even bigger stink about getting in the car. What is it about transitions that are so universally difficult? I remember back to when my first son was around two or three years old and we realized that “getting out the door” was one of the great hurdles of parenthood. Well, I take that back… at birth there is a realization that you cannot just walk out the door like a normal person anymore. There is process, procedure and packing to contend with upon every departure. But, once toddlerhood arrives, not only are you packing snacks and making sure the diaper bag is stocked, you are also dealing with a little person that has his or her own ideas of how the day should go. Most likely, you are screwing up their plans.

So, when “getting out the door” becomes enough to make you not want to leave the house, it is time to come up with a new strategy. Usually this involves distraction. The distraction I am currently employing with abandon is helped by this man I mentioned. My husband is wonderful, but this is not the man I speak of. Right now, the favorite “other man” in our house is someone named Chris Ballew. It is true, we don’t even know him, and yet this morning he made “getting out the door” to go to school a dream.

Chris Ballew is a member of the alternative band The Presidents of the United States of America, but he has an alias (which makes him even more popular in my house). He is Caspar Babypants and he is awesome. Since 2009, Chris (or Caspar) has been singing children’s songs that are palatable to adults. There are other great groups who achieve this, but he is the first I learned of and my favorite. Caspar Babypants has released at least six albums and if you don’t know about him yet (and are a parent, an aunt, a grandparent or friend of a child), you need to! One of the things I love about his children’s music project is that he makes his performances very accessible to children around Seattle and many are free to the public. We have gotten to see him perform a few times and my kids go crazy. He is so creative and enthusiastic – it is contagious. Another cool thing about Caspar Babypants is that it is a family run business. His wife, Kate, does all the artwork on the album covers!

So, without further ado… Thanks, Chris, for making my mornings a little easier!

One more thing, if you see us rocking out on the way to school, it is probably to this song:

Youtube links:

Baby’s Getting Up

or maybe this one…

Run Baby Run

Happy Listening!

Newest Album:

Bean Bag Balls

Published on April 3, 2013January 25, 2016 by poolepartyof56 Comments

It is Spring Break and that means lots of time for kid crafts and adventures!

We found a great project on Spoonful.com; bean bag balls! These are cheap and easy to make, and best of all they turned out just like the picture! I love that. Once made, these squishy balls can be used for a game of toss or would be ideal for the novice juggler. The feel also remind me of those “stress balls” from years ago… It is quite possible that this mama will be using them by the end of this fun, busy week!

What you’ll need:

9 (11-inch) balloons (for 3 balls)
Funnel
2 1/4 cups of dried lentils
Scissors
Skewer or chop stick (not included on the original directions, but we found it helpful to push the lentils down the funnel.)

How to make it:

Stretch the first balloon by inflating it halfway, holding it closed for about 30 seconds, and deflating it.
Place a funnel in the balloon’s neck and gradually pour in 3/4 cup of lentils, pushing them in as you go. The balloon should be firm but squeezable.
Snip off the balloon’s thick rubber lip. Cut the neck off a second balloon and gently stretch the opening.
Ease the second balloon over the filled balloon, tucking in the neck as you go.
Cut the neck off the third balloon, stretch the opening, and ease it over the other two. Repeat this process to make a set of three balls, or however many you’d like.

Tips: We ended up using about 1/2 cup of lentils instead of the 3/4 cup recommended. It was extremely helpful to inflate the first balloon all the way before holding it for the thirty seconds. This helps to make sure the balloon is stretched out before beginning the funnel step. A nicely stretched out balloon made filling much easier! We also used a skewer to help push the lentils down the funnel. The kids had a great time picking out their personal color combinations and helping both to measure and fill.

This was a fun project that I would definitely recommend. And, since making the balls didn’t use all the balloons we purchased, we had the secondary activity of blowing up the rest of the balloons and playing in the backyard for the afternoon!

Happy Spring Break!

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Giant Floor Pillows

Published on March 30, 2013April 4, 2013 by poolepartyof55 Comments

So I was wandering the intoxicating halls of Pinterest the other day and came upon the neat project of sewing giant floor pillows. Since my children adore all things associated with forts and pillows, this seemed right up our alley! I am envisioning using these goodies for cozy movie nights, pig piles and all things requiring a bit of cushioning… The awesomely graphic fabrics make them even better! The directions and inspiration are found on Mandy Made’s creative blog and I’m sure you will find all sorts of other things you want to make once you take a stroll through her pages!

I loved the idea of how simple this project looked and couldn’t wait to begin. I happened to have some home decor weight canvas hanging about, just waiting for the right project! As I began this project, I felt like Mandy’s directions were very good and nicely simple. I had a little trouble getting the corners just right, but I still think the pillows turned out well. I made two giant cushions; one following Mandy’s plan of using scraps to fill the pillow (#1, grey with white sides) and one with a little more structure using a foam rectangle covered in batting (#2, yellow with grey sides). If I make more (which I will, since I have three children and currently two coveted pillows), I will follow the second strategy. I like that pillow #2 ended up a lighter in weight and more reliably full. We’ll see if I end up remaking pillow #1, or leave it as is.

I also worked on a different closing method on pillow #2, as I realized that it would be nice to to wash the exterior case. In a house with three kids and a dog who has a penchant for all things soft (and a tendency to shed), these will need to be washed periodically! I ended up using an iron-on velcro closure, which worked like a charm!

The best part about these pillows is I had barely finished closing pillow #2 before the cushions were being put to use in a serious play session! The kids could not keep off of them, as evidenced by these photos (below). I could barely take a picture before the pig piles began! A true sign of success!

Happy Pillow Making!!

Defining Success

Published on March 26, 2013April 4, 2013 by poolepartyof51 Comment

“Making the decision to have a child – it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. ”
― Elizabeth Stone

Along the way I’m sure you have heard a version of this quote by Elizabeth Stone. Sure, it can be thrown in the category of cliche, but it is also very, very true. As parents, our hearts break when our baby emits his or her first cry or when our toddler falls down while taking first steps. It is the seemingly impossible idea of separating from these little ones that causes us pain. The underlying realization is that we are, actually, separate people. Parents cannot protect their children from every form of hurt. We know that growth is the goal, yet growing pains, by definition, hurt. As my children experience new things and grasp growth opportunities, I feel their vulnerability at a visceral level.

We’ve made a push to get our oldest son swooshing down the slopes by participating in weekly ski lessons at our local hill. I won’t lie – it has not been pretty. The experience has been fraught with extreme push back and small successes. Lots and lots of effort, put forth, with a smile, by my lovely husband. I think it is also safe to say husband considers himself part sherpa at this point in the game, with all the toting of gear involved. Throw in a healthy dose of anxiety and tears, and that pretty much sums up the season! As we recount this experience to friends, we remind them (in obnoxious voices full of authority) that the key to teaching kids to ski is to keep expectations low. We are laying the foundation… (said over and over like a mantra). This is a necessary element of sharing this sport with our family. We realize that it will probably be many years until we are actually all skiing together, but this weekend we experienced our first glimpse of success!

We decided to commemorate the end of the season by heading to Canada. In a carefully orchestrated dance, with little one hanging out with a fabulous Australian babysitter, we attempted to ski for the first time as a family! We put the boys in lessons for two days with the experts at Whistler. We skied together in what felt like an actual “date” on the mountain. We saw the boys coming away from their lessons feeling successful. And on the last morning of our trip, Gus and I took both boys (ages 3 & 5) skiing down actual mountains. I don’t even mean the bunny hill! We took them up quad ski lifts, on purpose. We rode the lift together. We executed getting off the lift successfully. We watched the boys make turns. We actually skied together!

It was exciting.

It was exhilarating.

And... It was absolutely terrifying!!

There was the immediate fear: If something happens, can I get to them fast enough?

Then there was the bigger underlying realization: My heart is currently skiing down this mountain!!

This was not the topic I was expecting to write about upon our return. I expected to expound on our feeling of success. Something like… “We did it! We remembered all the gear! We rock!!” Also true. But, in the moment of witnessing my oldest “fearlessly attacking the steep” (as his instructor eloquently put it)… I experienced fear. Why, you say? He was having fun. He was truly skiing. He was going faster than me. And at some point I realized I was totally out of control. I don’t wish to parent my children in a bubble (as much as the idea conceptually appeals to me), not really. I am truly excited to see how they grow, where their passions lie, and what makes them laugh… Danger exists every single day. I know that. And, as you know, I like to think that is is possible to find joy in the everyday.

There was just something so remarkable about experiencing such combating emotions in the same, exact moment. To feel the pride associated with success, right alongside the fear of what might happen in the next instant. Awesome and scary. My mind jumped to what it will be like when our children learn to drive… when they make decisions about drugs and alcohol… and, when they become adults. I had one of those crystal clear moments realizing, “My mom and dad must have felt this exact same feeling… Wow.” I guess this is all part of growing up!

Epiphany

Published on March 15, 2013April 16, 2013 by poolepartyof51 Comment

I realized something this week. In the moment it felt monumental. On this Friday morning, it still feels relevant enough to share. As parents of young people I think it is safe to say, we try to retain a little bit of cool. True, we are not frequenting bars as we might have at one time. True, to stay up past eleven feels like a holiday (that we will eventually pay for). And true, we prefer clothes that are washable. But, we strive to have fun and don’t feel THAT different than we did BC (before children). We know that someday this might not be true. Someday we will probably feel old. Let me be clear that I am speaking of a state of mind, not an actual number. We won’t understand our kids’ choice in music and might use words like whippersnapper. I just haven’t been clear, up until now, what will happen that will make this transition occur.

It is possible this awareness of “departing cool” is what inspired the purchase of five pairs (yes, five!) of awesome boots the very same day we decided we would purchase a minivan. Like so many others before me, I vowed never to own a minivan. And now here we are, defending the purchase to anyone who asks, totally happy with the purchase, and realizing that things do change. (We will also get rid of the thing the minute its useful life in our family is over.) But, still.

Okay, so back to my point. With three children, sleep is a commodity that we want. We want it desperately. We want it for ourselves and we want it for our children. Heck, we’re not selfish, we want it for you! What we would do for it!!! At our house the first step in achieving IT is getting our three children down for the night. Goodnight rituals can feel like they go on forever. There is a lovely feeling that goes along with being so needed, but at a certain point, you just want the little monsters to go to sleep! Then add to that anything out of the ordinary… for us, right now, the youngest is teething and is quite distraught at bedtime. So a few nights ago we reached Near Nirvana with three kids asleep. Yay! (High fives all around.) Minutes later, we hear the loudest motorcycle ever go by our house. Possibly “Hog” would be a more suitable name for this particular machine. Little one wakes up… “Okay, okay, no problem. She’ll go back to sleep,” I tell myself. And she does. Then the Hog goes by again… and again. I find myself letting loose a stream of expletives that has my husband looking at me wide-eyed. And there it was. I am old.

Custom Gifts

Published on March 14, 2013April 4, 2013 by poolepartyof53 Comments

One of the most fun things I get to do with this mini-business / hobby is hear when people have something exciting going on in their lives. My girlfriend called the other day because a new baby had been born in her family! She wanted to celebrate the birth by giving a gift to her nieces when she goes to visit next week. She asked if I could help and we came up with a plan. The new sisters share a letter, both of their first names start with “H”. We decided to make them a coordinating t-shirt and onesie combination with a big “H” for big sister and little “h” for baby.

I love how they turned out and I hope that the girls enjoy sporting their special letter around town. Sisters get to share so much – how fun that they also share a letter! This gift will look fantastic in pictures with the new baby. I love that it celebrates both the family’s new addition and also big sister’s new role!

Remember that Poole Party Designs is happy to work with you on special projects and gifts. If we can help you come up with the perfect gift for a special someone in your life, that makes our day! Hopefully it makes your life easier too…

On another note, the blog has a new look! Spring is around the corner and the blog needed some freshening up! I am still working out some kinks, so please excuse me while we transition! I love hearing your comments, so feel free to let me know your thoughts on the new format!

Pretty Pickled Beets

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Dill Carrots

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Serious Kale

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So, without further ado… Thanks, Chris, for making my mornings a little easier!

Happy Listening!

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“Making the decision to have a child – it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. ” ― Elizabeth Stone

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“Making the decision to have a child – it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. ”
― Elizabeth Stone