Holy Moly Greek Guacamole!

I'm making this today for football food, taken from my father-in-law's amazing kitchen!

GREEK GUACAMOLE

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:2 ripe fresh California avocados, cut in half, seeded, peeled
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup small cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
1/3 cup finely diced hot house cucumber, seeded (do not peel)
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup pitted, chopped Kalamata olives
1/4 cup crumbled Feta cheese
1 teaspoon chopped, fresh marjoram or oregano or half the amount dried

Directions:Coarsely mash avocados in a large bowl. Stir in lemon juice, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, cheese and herbs. Serve immediately with fried or crisply baked pita chips.

Last one for the day and I'm DONE

This thredUp box contains all cold-weather size 9 months baby boy clothes...oooooh cute!


This box includes:
1) Carter's brand grey sweat pants with truck/beep beep theme on one leg
2) Circo brand SS baseball print white onesie
3) Carter's brand navy/white stripe footless play one-piece outfit with counting dinosaur theme, snap up
4) Carter's brand navy/brown stripe footless one-piece play outfit with hood - puppy all-star theme
5) Carter's brand navy fleece footless one-piece play outfit with dump truck theme
6) Khaki corduroy overalls from Carter's
7) Carter's grey/green/navy LS striped tshirt
8) Carter's denim overalls with barn theme
9) Carter's green LS sweatshirt, construction theme, goes well with item #1!
10) Carter's blue with yellow and olive sleeved LS footless one-piece play outfit, dinosaur theme
11) Carter's khaki corduroy snap up pants
12) Circro brand teddy bear all-star jersey cotton footie pajamas
13) Carter's brown/blue LS striped onesie, puppy dog on front

I promise to be as detailed as I can in my listings, and all items come from a smoke-free, pet-free home and were worn by my son.  Happy swapping!

Yep, more.

I'm sure my back is going to hate me for all the unsupported sitting I've done today sorting these (sniff, sniff) adorable baby clothes.  Something just feels right about getting this done in time for the Holidays, though!

Box #195119 includes:

Excellent condition items that are great for this winter - including Holiday parties! Matching outfits, too.  Everything is size 3-6 months unless otherwise stated.

1) TCP brand 2-piece dress outfit - grey wool teddy bear theme argyle overalls, lined with red/green plaid, and matching plaid LS button-up dress shirt.
2) Red Koala Kids LS turtleneck onesie
3) Baby Gap blue houndstooth patterned LS button up onesie
4) Gymboree cream waffle weave Porcupine themed LS onesie
5) Old Navy orange/white/navy striped 2-layer look LS onesie
6) Koala Kids navy corduroy pants
7) Koala Kids jungle animals themed LS onesie
8) Baby Gap navy sweatpants with grey/white side stripes
9) Carter's 6mos solid navy sweat pants
10) Carter's 6mos SL firefighter puppy themed blue onesie
11) Old Navy LS navy rugby-styled polo shirt
12) Carter's 6mos grey LS sweatshirt with hood, full zip, soccer theme
13) Carter's 6mos navy/yellow LS footless play outfit, snap up style, puppy dog/football theme
14) Strasburg 6mos red LS turtleneck onesie
15) Koala Kids jungle animals olive overalls - goes with item #7!
16) Baby Healthtex 6-9 months LS onesie, baby blue with puppy print
17) Babyworks 6-9 months LS footed cotton pj's, puppy/race car theme

I promise to be as detailed as I can in my listings, and all items come from a smoke-free, pet-free home and were worn by my son.  Happy swapping!

ThredUp Box #195085 is a doozy!

My son was marching up the basement steps as I *quickly* rolled the Spiderman costume into the box.  Man if he knew I was "thredding" this he'd throw the biggest meltdown of 2011...it just doesn't fit.  Like 6 inches too short.  Bwahahahaaa!

Box #195085 includes 18 items total:

1) Disney Buzz Lightyear bathing suit
2) Circo brand grey jersey shorts
3) Circo brand navy cotton shorts
4) Circo khaki cotton shorts
5) Circo brand denim shorts
6) Jumping Beans khaki shorts
***please note all shorts are elastic waistband, not adjustable***
7) Carter's 3-piece jammies set: SS shirt, pants and shorts, blue/black truck theme
8) Carter's 3-piece jammies set: SS shirt, pants and shorts, navy/red fire truck theme
9) Circo orange/gray tie-dyed look SS tshirt (goes with the shorts)
10) Junk Food/Gap Kids gray SS Batman tshirt
11) Polo/Ralph Lauren blue/white SS golf shirt, 4T
12) Polo/Ralph Lauren orange/blue/whte SS golf shirt, 5T
13) Nike brand navy/grey basketball shorts
14) Spiderman costume, full outfit!  Including mask!  Fake muscles and all :)  There isn't a size on the tag, but my son was an older 3 and 4 when he wore it.

I promise to be as detailed as I can in my listings, and all items come from a smoke-free, pet-free home and were worn by my son.  Happy swapping!

Goodness I'm on a roll!

More.  That's all I can say :)

Box #195049 covers sizes newborn to 6 months, spanning across the seasons.  I think it's perfect for you or someone you know who is expecting or has a new little bundle of joy!

Items include:

1) Gerber waffle weave newborn blue onesie LS sleeper, snap up style
2) Gerber waffle weave newborn blue dog patterned onesie LS sleeper, snap up style
3) 3-6mos Old Navy green/blue plaid bathing suit
4) 6mos Carter's green/blue alligator SL tshirt, matches very well with item #3!
5) Strasburg green checked overalls, Snowman theme, 3mos, button up style
6) (My favorite newborn clothing item!) Carter's 0-3mos sleeper, teddy bear theme, blue on blue, my husband calls it the potato sack, super easy for nighttime diaper changes
7) Carter's 0-3mos footless snap up play outfit, LS, doggy theme, blue on blue
8) Carter's 3mos footless snap up play outfit, LS, race car theme, red
9) 3-6 mos baby blue jersey overalls, embroidered baseball/bat theme
10) Sam & Sally brand 0-3 months blue striped jersey footie pj's, snap up style
11) Little Me brand 6 months "bubble" overalls, i.e. they fit more like a onesie, surfer theme, baby blue chambray fabric
12) TCP size 3-6mos denim cargo-style shorts
13) Baby Gap newborn size blue jersey play outfit, SL, long pants, blue on blue argyle style with collar, super adorable
14) Gymboree 3-6 months LS octopus theme shirt, goes with item #15!
15) Gymboree 3-6 months ocean themed pants
16) First Moments brand 3-6mos baby blue overall shorts, dinosaur theme
17) Old Navy 3-6mos very light khaki pants, snap leg style
18) (whew, almost done!) Baby Gap "up to 3mos" SL tshirt/shorts onesie, green striped.  This item is slight pilled from wash, but still super cute.  Frog embroidered on chest.  Sad to see this go ;)

I promise to be as detailed as I can in my listings, and all items come from a smoke-free, pet-free home and were worn by my son.  Happy swapping!

Decorating my house for the holidays and yet STILL find time for thredUp :)

We finally dug out the box of Jacob's baby clothes and after a few years of just not being able to give them up I'm ready to do just that.  There is just too much stuff in my house, and we have a billion pics of him in these clothes to remember them by, err, HIM by ;)

Here are the details for box #195022:


This is an awesome box of mixed tops/bottoms for your little man.  The box ranges from 6 - 9 months sizes, including a cute overalls outfit, fair isle style sweater coat, 2 great fuzzy fleece sleepers and more!  Here are the details:

1) Brown/blue striped LS fleece footie jammies, snap-up style, Carter's brand, 9M
2) Navy and yellow LS fleece footie jammes, snap-up styel (slight bleeding on shoulder from the "abc" embroidery, but still in great condition :) Carter's brand, 9M, LIon theme
3) Red and gray striped cotton LS footless snap-up hoodie play outfit, fire engine theme, Carter's brand, 9M
4) Blue/slate argyle sweater vest, Lullaby Club brand, 9M
5) Red/navy/white/gray Carter's 9M LS onesie, matches item #6
6) Red 9M Carter's overalls, snap-up legs, teddy bear football theme, matches item #5
7) Carter's 9M navy LS snap-up onesie
8) Carter's 9M cream/navy/green dinosaur "Roar" LS shirt
9) TCP 9M fair isle sweater coat - nice and thick for winter, SUPER cute!
10) Carter's 6M white turtleneck onesie with railroad theme print
11) 9M navy shorts - random I know - but had extra room in box :)
12) White LS 9M onesie, Lullaby Club brand (cute with the argyle vest)
13) 6M Navy SL Gap onesie tshirt
14) Circo 9M olive sweat pants
15) 6/9M First Impressions blue Transportation theme LS onesie
16) TCP 6/9M green LS tshirt, Snowboarding theme, brand new, no tag, never worn

I promise to be as detailed as I can in my listings, and all items come from a smoke-free, pet-free home and were worn  by my son.  Despite the color bleeding on item #2, I still included it in the box as it's in great condition otherwise and will be nice and warm for your little guy this winter.

Happy swapping!

More, more and more goodies for thredUp!

I've just listed yet another thredUp box today -- man I wish I was this productive every day of my life -- ah the possibilities!  Box #147663 contains the boys' 12 months sized items that are for multi-seasonal use...let's face it I'm getting down to the bottom of their baby clothes bin AT LAST!  Here are the details:

1)  s/s and pant pajama set - Carter's brand - gray with construction zone theme and red trim

2)  s/s and pant pajama set - Carter's brand - white with dinosaur theme and green trim, these have glow in the dark dinosaurs!

3) Carter's l/s fleece zip-up footie pajamas, gray with navy stripe, teddy bear to space theme, clean feet bottoms because my son was a late walker ;)

4) Cherokee red plaid s/s button down dress shirt

5) Circo denim shorts

6) Faded Glory l/s tshirt with saying "It's Good To Be ME!" with navy, lighter blue and red

7) Cherokee navy blue cargo corduroy pants

8) Cherokee l/s waffle weave  onesie with gray trim, henley style

9) Baby Gap 12-18 mos. khaki safari-style hat with chin strap

10) FOUR different Gerber brand sports-theme s/s onesies, like new

11) Carter's navy and white striped baseball theme one-piece outfit, s/s shorts style

12) Carter's navy and red baseball theme one-piece outfit with gray trim, jersey style, s/s shorts style

13) Carter's navy, light blue, orange and yellow striped one-piece outfit with navy collar, polo style, s/s shorts style

14) The Children's place l/s turtleneck onesie, solid red

15) The Children's place l/s turtleneck onesie, orange with navy and gray stripes

This box has a grand total of 20 items!  You only pay $15.95 a box!  Gotta love that.

As always, my items are from a smoke-free/pet-free home and are gently used.  I take care not to include anything with stains, rips, holes or anything too out of style.

Thank you for your interest in thredUp and happy swapping.

I've dug my way down to the baby clothes, sniff sniff...

This thredUp box (#147537) is specifically size 6-9 months for a little boy.  The sweater coat is bulky, thus only allowing for 10 items in the box.  All of these clothes are in excellent condition; coming from a smoke-free/pet-free home.  Cute stuff in great condition!!  I'm having a bit of a hard time letting go of these clothes, as they were Jacob's and some of the first baby clothing we owned.  I need to stop being *so* sentimental :)

1)  The Children's Place red fair isle zip-up sweater coat with nice fleece lining.  Cute gray deer pattern on front with white, navy, light blue detailing.  Very warm and adorable.

2)  Carter's baby blue and medium blue striped button-up footie pj's with puppy on front, terry cloth-like cotton/polyester blend

3)  The Children's Place dark yellow l/s sweatshirt with "PLC ATHLETICS" on the front in navy lettering

4)  The Children's Place sweater vest in navy, hunter green, white and red plaid

5) Nordstrom brand baby blue polyester zip-up footie pj's with dalmatian dog theme.  Never worn, but no tags

6) The Children's Place navy corduroy pants, button waist

7)  Carter's light blue cotton overalls with cute corduroy bear theme

8)  The Children's Place red plaid button-down dress shirt

9)  The Children's Place gray l/s sweatshirt with navy PLC logo on right chest

10)  Carter's blue 1/2 button-down layette outfit with dog and fire truck theme

The lucky winner of this box is sure to love it.

She sure loves her accessories.

Maggie is rarely seen without some added flair to her daily wardrobe, and what amuses us the most is that there is often seemingly little reason behind her choices.  Her brother's tennis shoes, frilly strips of ribbon here and there, Mommy's sunglasses, toys slung across her shoulder as a purse...you name it, she's decked out all the time.  Here are some of my favorite recent pics of her :)

It's thredUp time again!

The latest and greatest thus far in my opinion: Maggie's darling 18-month Fall/Winter wardrobe essentials!  Included in this box (#140601) are:

1) Super soft red Baby Gap s/s sweater.  Sweater has one button, more like a little wrap.  Cute!
2) Pale pink Gymboree l/s smocked shirt, smocking includes darker pink, white, baby blue.  Very pretty.
3) Purple Carter's dress with matching bloomers, dress is floral with pinks, purples, aqua, green
4) Green floral Children's Place l/s top with ruffle hemline, goes very well with item #5
5) Carter's khaki pants with ruffled cuffs
6) Carter's red velour dress with ruffled pockets and red polka-dotted sleeves, darling!
7) Carter's brown legging pants with orange, pink and aqua flowers on one leg
8) Raspberry pink Children's Place l/s shirt with smocked detail at chest
9) Bubblegum pink Children's Place l/s shirt with pockets and ruffled detail at chest
10) Carter's cotton l/s pj's set, "Little Sister" embroidered theme, colors are baby blue, brown, pink, no footies on these
11) Jake & Julia pink fleece candy shop themed footie zip jammies.  These are a re-thred so they've been well-loved.  Pilling from wash but still soft and adorable!  Darkened feet from obvious wear.
12) 12-18 months Gymboree jeans with pink and green embroidered hearts at pockets and leg hem
13) 12-18 months Old Navy red velour l/s dress with embroidered flowers at chest
14) Some surprises!! Gotta love that :)

14K Gold Wire Wrapped Goodness

I have more rings featured in my Etsy shop this week, back by request from a returning customer...I LOVE that.


This first one features a most intriguing vintage red and clear lucite clover-shaped bead is hand wrapped in heavy 20 gauge 14K gold filled wire. This is a fun statement piece. I intentionally made it a larger size to be worn on the index or middle fingers for extra pizzazz. I used a lot of the wire, wrapping it over and over again to help give the ring a substantial weight...this is no dainty ring! I love how the opaque red lacquer plays with the clear spots on the ring.


Ring is a SIZE 9 TO 9.25
Bead size is 25mm (1 inch)

I suggest not immersing the ring in water for a prolonged period of time as I am uncertain as to the lacquer on the bead. It is as it came to me....a lovely vintage bead.

The second one for this week includes Five faceted aqua quartz briolettes form a flower, all wrapped in 14K gold filled wire. I used a lighter gauge wire for this ring to create a lighter weight for those that don't like heavy rings. The flower portion is approximately 1 inch or 25mm in diameter. The ring is a size 7.5

I can save you a step if this is a gift...your jewelry will arrive gift ready.

Thank you for looking!

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Enter my shop here:
sweetmaggiejane.etsy.com
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Really Good Recipes: Jalapeno Cheese Bread

This is James' new favorite, it is gone the same evening I make it. I add lots and lots of jalapenos to suit his taste, so you might want to scale back a bit - you've been warned! :-)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup water

1 egg

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 tablespoons sugar

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

4 tablespoons seeded and chopped canned diced jalapeno peppers

1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast, for all bread machines

Set your machine to 1 lb. loaf, light crust. I also sprinkle some extra cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.  Enjoy!

Get your thredUP!

ThredUp is an online trading site for gently used children's clothes, shoes, books, toys and more.  I found this gem after selling my cherished cloth diapers to a thedUp employee who happened to be wearing the shirt when she picked up the diapers.  My curiosity was sparked and that evening I created an account and listed my first box.  This is far more convenient than ironing, tagging and hauling crates of clothing to the local consignment shop!  I love getting rid of the items my kids have outgrown in exchange for sizes they're growing into, all at a very reasonable cost to my family.  Here is a great info page on how it works and how to get started.

My latest thredUP box features mostly Fall/Winter boys 3T goodies.  Box #140352 contents are as follows:

1)  Crazy 8 fleece half-zip pull-over sweatshirt in green, gray, navy, yellow.  Pilled from wash, well-loved but good condition
2) Children's Place black corduroy pants, faded slightly
3) Life is Good l/s gray tshirt with dump truck on front, well-loved but cute!
4) Okie Dokie olive green athletic pant with tan pinstriping
5) Disney Wall-E 3/4 sleeved shirt, my son's favorite :)
6) 2-piece Disney Toy Story l/s pj set, slight pilling from wash - jersey/waffle weave
7) Jumping Beans navy sweatshirt with Sports Allstar theme in light blue, orange and white
8) Baby Gap royal blue "Athletic Dept." s/s tshirt with white logo on front
9) Baby Gap orange dump truck themed s/s tshirt, some slight peeling of paint from wash, minor stains, great for playtime
10) Circo white/navy/green plaid shorts
11) Gymboree yellow l/s tshirt with navy piping at collar and chest detail, tag cut out but side label at waist indicates brand, well-loved
12) Tumbleweed brand black l/s tshirt with skeleton theme, showing ribcage, great for Halloween
13) Sesame Street Elmo cowboy underwear, size 2T-3T
14) Carter's dump trucks underwear, size 2T-3T
15) Myself Belts brand khaki belt with trains theme - not 100% sure if this is 3T, I *think* so

All items come from a smoke-free, pet-free home and have been worn by my son only.  Check it out!  I'm hooked :)

The Perfect Iced Coffee

This gal's method for iced coffee is wonderfully easy, and she even uses Cafe Bustelo!  My favorite :)

The Pioneer Woman's Perfect Iced Coffee

Enjoy!

Really Good Recipes: Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

Marking for future reference, I'm intrigued by the yogurt.  All we had tonight was vanilla yogurt...hmm.  They're rising in the oven as I type so I'll be back later for a review and pictures.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
• 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, combine the egg, oil, yogurt and vanilla. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in bananas and chocolate chips. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350 degrees F for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

Really Good Recipes: Meatloaf!

I am a huge fan of meatloaf.  HUGE.  The best I've ever had until yesterday was from Roaster's here in Atlanta (I mean gooooood, *better than my Mom's* good), however thanks to my new bff's Gina and Pat Neely from FoodNetwork, I have a new dish to share!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 ounces mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 large Vidalia onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup panko (Japanese) breadcrumbs
• 6 ounces crumbled blue cheese
• 2 pounds ground turkey
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce (I used ketchup)
• 1 shallot, sliced (skipped to avoid son's "Ew, what's that?")
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Heat olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, onions, and garlic. Saute until mushrooms are browned, about 5 to 6 minutes.

Stir in red pepper flakes and saute for 1 more minute. Add chicken stock and Worcestershire sauce, remove from heat and allow to cool.

In a large bowl, combine egg, panko, blue cheese, and mushroom mixture. Fold in turkey and combine. Don't over work or the meatloaf will be tough.

Shape into a long rectangular loaf directly on a sheet tray. Spoon tomato sauce on top of the loaf and shingle sliced shallots down the top. Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes, and serve.

Lucky in May...emerald birthstone!

Sold and re-listed, I've created yet another pair of these fun earrings for my Etsy shop featuring my newest favorite of the Swarovski line...."opal" finish.  Green meets gold in a simple yet fun design!

Amethyst!

Just received the loveliest bunch of natural amethyst nuggets in the mail today!  I nearly attacked our mail carrier when she pulled up, I've been waiting on these beauties all week :)  Below is what I was able to whip up tonight after the kiddos went to bed, be on the lookout for matching earrings and other great pieces to come this week in my shop.