IttyBittyFoodies nominated (again) for Top 25 Foodie Moms on Circle of Moms

How exciting! IttyBittyFoodies have been nominated once more for the Top 25 Foodie Moms on the Circle of Moms website. Circle of Moms connect moms (about 6 million and counting) together to network and discuss on all things mommy from pregnancy stages all the way up to older kids. Please click on the badge above and vote for IttyBittyFoodies. Just look for our signature logo of toddler hands holding two orange 8 ball squash.

Voting closes June 4th, 2013.  Click here to vote!

THANK YOU THANK YOU once again

Thanks for listening to my Motherhood Musings

Cheryl Collett is a mom on a mission to expand her kids’ palates and IttyBittyFoodies chronicles their yummy adventures. For recipes and other crafty fun ideas, look under HomeMade or check out the best kid friendly places under Restaurant Reviews where the food is delicious for both parents and children. Get the latest updates if you Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ittybittyfoodie

Village Baking Co. – now open everyday

Pastries everyday of the week from Village Baking Co

Looks like the secret’s out about our favorite boulangerie. Village Baking Co is now open for business daily from 7am-3pm. No need to wait for the later part of the week to get your baguette and breads or indulge in a buttery kovign-amman (also available in chocolate too), pain au chocolat or laminated brioche. The bakery is so busy especially in the mornings that the only wait is actually in the line to get your hands on their artisanal baked goodies!

Click here for Village Baking Co.

Till our next Happy Meal!

Cheryl Collett is a mom on a mission to expand her kids’ palates and IttyBittyFoodies chronicles their yummy adventures. For recipes and other crafty fun ideas, look under HomeMade or check out the best kid friendly places under Restaurant Reviews where the food is delicious for both parents and children. Get the latest updates if you Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ittybittyfoodie

 

You are more beautiful than you think – yes… really

Motherhood has aged me. I look at the crow’s feet that were never there before, dark circles under the eyes from the lack of sleep, and stray white hairs that I’ve pulled out more often than I care to remember. I’ve swapped my heels for Birkenstocks, thanks to those lovely bunions and walk around with my brain permanently stored in a jar somewhere. I look at my old photos where I was a pretty, young thing and stare at the mirror where not much is perky anymore. Earlier this week, Dove released  their Real Beauty Sketches and it was so poignant and moving, I had to stop myself and watch it again.

Linsanity over Grace Lin

IttyBittyFoodies meets Grace Lin – yes! Linsanity!!

In honor of the Lunar New Year, we’re featuring the works of the American Chinese children’s book author and illustrator, Grace Lin. Her vibrant and beautifully illustrated children’s picture books are a great resource to questions like ”What is Chinese New Year?” and “What is dim sum?”

Village Baking Co. –

(Clockwise) Laminated brioche, almond croisssant, chocolate canelés and pain au chocolat

Like little pigs with their noses to the ground sniffing for truffles, every so often a foodie finds a hidden treasure like we did with Village Baking Company. For months we drove by their baking facility on University Blvd and each time my little piggies hold their noses in the air commenting that something smelt yummy. Then one day, someone propped up a small sign that said “Pastries & Artisan Breads” that lured us right into their small showroom lined with fresh baked breads and pastries. There’s no ‘shop front’ to speak of and you just pull up to what looks like the backdoor to the baking warehouse.

The best gift I received was this carton of eggs

Forest Gump once said “Life was like a box of chocolates”. I see life more like a carton of eggs. We walk about protected only by delicate shell and a false sense of security. We push limits thinking we’re indestructible but one wrong move and we’re falling off the kitchen table and heading for Splatsville.  And as I reflect upon 2012 and my entire life for that matter, I realize the best gift I have ever received is my carton of eggs. Most of us, seldom wake up thinking how glorious it is to be alive. Perhaps if more of us did, it will change our perspectives and challenge how we live. So for 2013, I’d like to cherish my carton of eggs more, whether it’s sunny side up one day or scrambled the next.

Happy New Year! Till our next Happy Meal!

Thanks for listening to my Motherhood Musings

Cheryl Collett is a mom on a mission to expand her kids’ palates and IttyBittyFoodies chronicles their yummy adventures. For recipes and other crafty fun ideas, look under HomeMade or check out the best kid friendly places under Restaurant Reviews where the food is delicious for both parents and children. Get the latest updates if you Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ittybittyfoodie

 

East Hampton Sandwich Company

Southern Fried Chicken and Jack

Four year old Lollo’s favorite ‘burger joint’ is actually the new sandwich shop in Snider Plaza called East Hampton Sandwich Co. I’ve tasted it and the burger patty itself is not unlike many other burger places but we finally figured that it’s the bread that makes Lollo yearn for more. Lines have been snaking out the door at lunch time so if you’ve got little ones in tow, be smart and head there early for lunch or avoid lunch altogether and go in for an early dinner.

An Eggcellent Kids Party Craft Idea

For months now, Pikelet & Lollo have been anticipating the birth of their baby brother, Googie. They first saw Googie at our 12 week scan where the sonographer mentioned that the baby was attached to an egg sac and one of them added, “like a googie (ie runny) egg” and the nickname Googie was born. Then four year old, Lollo thought it’d be cool to crush egg shells and make a craft for Googie when he arrives. That was around August.

IttyBittyFoodies made it – Circle of Moms Top 25 Foodie Moms 2012

You may recall last month there was fierce competition among 270 food blogs vying for the honor of being one of the Top 25 Foodie Moms 2012 by Circle of Moms. We’re pleased to announce that IttyBittyFoodies made it – right at No 24.  Huge thanks to loyal readers, family and friends who read and support our itty bitty blog. Circle of Moms just released interviews with the Top 25 Foodie Moms and you can read the exclusive IttyBittyFoodies interview HERE!

Last but not least, please take a moment to check out Erin Blinn’s portfolio. She has been taking photos of our IttyBittyFoodies for years now. Not only does she take beautiful photos, she’s very fast and captures them well.

Thanks for listening to my Motherhood Musings

Cheryl Collett is a mom on a mission to expand her kids’ palates and IttyBittyFoodies chronicles their yummy adventures. For recipes and other crafty fun ideas, look under HomeMade or check out the best kid friendly places under Restaurant Reviews where the food is delicious for both parents and children. Get the latest updates if you Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ittybittyfoodie

Kreuz Market – Lockhart Texas

Summer time means road trips especially around the Texas Hill Country. Beefcake’s favorite BBQ spots of all time is Kreuz Market in Lockhart, Tx. Lockhart has long time been known as the BBQ capital.

We favor Kreuz Market because they are bold enough to serve their meat almost naked, no sauce with just a rub. It’s heaven when there’s nothing in between you and a perfect prime rib. Texans have an unrivalled talent for smoking and slow roasting meats, there’s no need to hide it if it’s done right.

Hattie’s Restaurant – Bishop Arts District in Oak Cliff

We’ll never forget the first time we went to Hattie’s Restaurant in 2004 and our delight as we walked in to this Southern mainstay of Bishop Arts District. For this reason, whenever we have visitors, Hattie’s Restaurant tops our list. We enjoy watching their eyes light up in surprise as they step into the sunbathed and airy dining room, a contrast to it’s jet black exterior. Of course, the delectable Southern comfort cuisine remains as consistent as ever.

Vote IttyBittyFoodies – Circle of Moms Top 25 Foodie Moms

Thank you to all those who have voted for IttyBittyFoodies at  Circle of Moms for Top 25 Foodie Moms 2012 category. We’re currently at No 34 with 327 votes at last count! There’s just four days left to vote and we’re asking for a last push to try and get IttyBittyFoodies into the top 25. You can vote every 24 hours till May 29, 4pm PST. And don’t forget to share the link & tell everyone about IttyBittyFoodies!

Click here more info on Circle of Moms.

Thank you for your wonderful support! Till our next Happy Meal!

Sushi Sake in Richardson

Having eaten sushi since he was 18 months old, my 6 year old, Pikelet has become quite the connoisseur of raw fish. He especially loves octopus and clams and he knows just where to get some of the best in Dallas. His favorite is Sushi Sake.

If you don’t happen to live in Richardson or Plano, heading up to the no-reservations Sushi Sake takes a little planning especially on weekends. Try on a Friday night a little after 6.30pm and the waits for a table are grueling. But one look at the Japanese sushi chefs behind the sushi bar and one instinctively expects mastery.

IttyBittyFoodies nominated Top 25 Foodie Moms by Circle of Moms

IttyBittyFoodies have just been nominated by Circle of Moms for Top 25 Foodie Moms 2012 category and we couldn’t be more chuffed! In case you were wondering what Circle of Moms are, it’s a website for just for moms (about 6 million strong!) to network, get together and connect on all mommy things! From pregnancy to baby to big kid stages, Circle of Moms is a great resource to exchange ideas and learn from someone else who has probably been there and done that.

I’m thrilled to be part of this and I humbly ask you to vote for IttyBittyFoodies. Just click on the badge above and look for the avatar with the tiny toddler hands holding Lemley’s orange 8 ball squash (which btw are in season again at the Dallas Farmer’s Market).

Click here more info on Circle of Moms.

Thank you again to my readers! Till our next Happy Meal!

Texas Worm Ranch – more about Vermicomposting

“I have worms!” Lollo proclaimed loudly to his teacher who looked at me quizzically. He means we own worms. We’re proud owners of a spanking new working worm bin from Texas Worm Ranch.

Finally after an unsuccessful bout of vermicomposting last year, I decided to take a class from Heather Rinaldi, head worm rancher of Texas Worm Ranch and one of the founders of Dallas Eco-Op. Boy, did I learn a lot from the two hour workshop.

Three Happy Cows = Two Happy Foodies!

Let’s do the math! It takes just four ingredients to make Three Happy Cows blueberry drinkable yogurt - organic milk, blueberry pulp, pure cane sugar and live probitoic cultures (L.D Thermophilus and S.S. Bulgaricus) plus one talented artisanal yogurt maker, Edgar Diaz, to equal two happy IttyBittyFoodies!

Central Market at Preston Royal – First look!

New Central Market opens

Central Market throws open it’s doors today! The Preston Royal locale (previously housed by Borders) marks the opening of Central Market’s ninth store. IttyBittyFoodies had a media sneak peak yesterday at some of the innovations and offerings customers can look forward like the new selection of New York Deli-style dishes and baked goods. Think artisanal boiled and then baked bagels onsite and new bialys and New York City based Charlito’s cocina artisan salumi.There’ll be a full service custom sandwich bar with a “Build Your Own” sandwich option as well as a menu of chef created sandwiches.

Family Dinners & the Dine-in Date Night

We are big proponents of eating together as a family. Gathering for dinner is a time for sharing not just the food on the table but also to catch up on our day’s events. Pikelet and Lollo like to tell us about the ‘best bits of the day’ and also talk about solving the challenges they’ve faced during their day. Although the kids are just four and six years old and life isn’t too dramatic at this stage, Beefcake & I want to set this framework now so they know that the channels for openness are always there. We also use the time to teach table manners and try new foods in a familiar environment.

Tiger Mom meets IttyBittyFoodies Mama – Amy Chua in Dallas

From one Tiger Mom to another

Amy Chua, aka Tiger Mom is like a pistol. The whip smart Yale law professor and notorious author of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother enters the room packed with confidence that says Ka Pow! Dressed in an elegant black suit, showing off her tiny frame and killer calves, Chua made a stop at the Authors LIVE! event at Highland Park United Methodist Church.

Dim Sum – the point & eat food

traditional dim sum

In honor of the Lunar New Year, we wanted to share one of our favorite Chinese meals – Dim Sum. Pikelet and Lollo love dim sum – the traditional Chinese brunch food and we like to frequent Kirin Court Chinese Restaurant in Richardson. The crowd is mainly Asian (always a good sign) but the staff speak enough English to get by.  The most fun part of dim sum is in the ordering. Servers wheel carts filled with steam dumpling and little plates and present them to you at the table. All you need to do is point to what you’d like and they serve it immediately. It’s so easy, no Chinese required and even the kids get in on the action. I liken it to online shopping and for us, dim sum is our ultimate ’point and click’ meal.