blankets + freezer meals
Levi loves his blanket. He calls it his "baa-baa". Cora loved her blanket too. Levi and I have been talking about how Baby Brother might need a baa-baa of his own. He thinks it is a really good idea. I LOVE the blankets that Cora and Levi have. They are both a really tight knit and very light weight (at least that is the best way I can think to describe them). And they are both colorful and stripey. LOVE.
So Levi and I have been on the search for a blanket for Baby Brother. I thought it would be fun for him to be able to give it to his brother as a gift. The problem is I can't find a baby blanket like these ANYWHERE. Cora's blanket was from IKEA and Levi's blanket was from Babies' R Us. I searched online and I couldn't really come up with anything either. Any ideas? Where can I find a blanket like these??
* * * * * * * * *
I have lots of friends who are pregnant right now. One of my friends had the great idea of having a freezer meal swap before the babies are born. That way we can all help each other with meals without worrying about it while we are adjusting to having a new baby.
I am not very good at freezer meals. Lasagna is about as creative as I get. I didn't even know how to make lasagna when I got married...actually I didn't know how to make much of anything. Joel knew more about cooking than I did.
I use this lasagna recipe from a friend. We put ground beef in ours of course. It is yummy. And Joel tells me it is the best lasagna he has ever had. He might just be sweet, but usually he is pretty honest about things like that. If you don't know how to make lasagna...I'm sure you do, but just in case...try this recipe.
It just about killed me to cook all these meals. I made four for my friends and two for us to keep. My feet were killing me. But I am so glad they are done and it will be wonderful to have some freezer meals all ready to go after Baby Brother arrives. Do you swap freezer meals with your friends? Please share your best freezer meal recipes with me! Maybe next time I can be more creative.
Hope you are having a great Labor Day weekend!
posted by the mcclenahans @ 7:00 AM
59 Comments:
dwell studio @ target has some knit blankets some times... I have a really cute brown and cream polka dot one...
If target does not yeild one.. maybe look on the dwell site.
Easy chicken stuffing casserole
4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8-12 oz cheese slices (jack, cheddar, Swiss, whatever kind you like)
1 can Campbell's cream of chicken soup
12 oz Stove Top stuffing (any flavor)
2 Tbsp melted butter
water
Cut chicken into chunks (okay to leave whole if still frozen) & place in bottom of 9x13 casserole dish. Cover the chicken completely with the sliced cheese. Spoon the soup over all. In a separate bowl stir the melted butter and enough water to make stuffing very moist. Spoon over the casserole. Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 1 hour. Uncover and bake another 25 minutes at 325.
Wish we lived closer...I could bring you and your family a meal!
Praying for you.
My work threw a freezer shower for me with my youngest---it was one of my favorite showers!
Meals we received:
1-chicken stuffing casseroles (a lot of these!)
2-enchiladas (lots of these too)
3-mac & cheese casserole
4-chili
5-soups
6-homemade chicken pot pie
What a great idea! Do I have to be pregnant to start a freezer swap? I just need help in the kitchen, period. :) This really is a sweet idea. Good luck finding a blanket. Did you look on Etsy? I go here for everything. :)
Chicken Enchiladas
Super easy...
An already cooked rotisserie chicken or 4 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
1 can black beans
1 4-oz can chopped green chills
Green enchilada sauce
Shredded cheese to taste (I like pepper jack)
Tortillas
Combine chicken, beans (do not drain), and chilis in large bowl; mix. Add sauce and cheese to your liking. Fill tortillas, roll, and place, seam down, in 13x9 baking dish. Reserve extra sauce. Cover well.
To defrost: Let sit at room temperature for about 30 min; pour sauce over top, if desired. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 min, or until bubbly and heated through.
Enjoy>
My go to meal for friends when they have babies is baked spaghetti. It is super easy!
1 box spaghetti
1 jar marina sauce
1 jar alfredo sauce
shredded mozzarella cheese
Just cook the spaghetti and than mix it with the alfredo sauce. Pour into a 9x13 pan and top with the marina sauce and than top that with cheese. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes!
Lots of blue blankets. Don't see any colorful ones.
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=122677
http://www.rosenberryrooms.com/532-blue-mini-stripe-knit-receiving-blanket.html
http://www.cookieskids.com/Product.aspx?l=00170059010700750000&p=BDV01257&a=googleps&mr:trackingCode=82273F00-046D-E011-9D0B-001517B1882A&mr:referralID=NA
http://www.diapers.com/p/Elegant-Baby-Blue-Multi-Stripe-Blanket-58885?site=CI&utm_source=cse&utm_medium=cpc_D&utm_term=XP-187&utm_campaign=google&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=XP-187
Hi Jess! Thanks for the love. I'm glad Joel likes it, too :) Hoping you get some good rest and enjoy the cooler weather!
I have followed your blog for 3 years--this is my first comment. I feel like you are family. Somehow, I went from your blog and ended up at "Counting Coconuts". She just had a baby, and besides Levi giving baby brother a baa baa, their 4 year old got a gift from his new sister. I thought that was such a good idea, in making him feel special too.
Will you come cook for me??? :)
I was on your site last night because I created your photo frame from Levi's room for my son's room. I linked the project to your post! It turned out great so thanks!
On a different note, I know I don't always comment but I just wanted to say how much your faith in God has changed my thoughts on it. I am starting my walk with God over again and it helps to see other bloggers who are open and honest about their own walk with God.
I have followed your blog for 3 years. My mom and I feel like you are family! This is my first comment. Somehow, I got from your blog to "counting coconuts". She just had a new baby. You mentioned Levi giving baby brother a baa baa. I think that is great. This 4 year old brother got a gift from his new baby sister. She had wrapped up a few special things for him, and had it wrapped and labeled--WITH LOVE FROM YOUR NEW SISTER. I thought that was a great idea to make him feel special too, and keep him a little occupied while everyone is looking at the new baby.
Just did a quick Google search for bright boy blankets.. What about this one?
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?sku=17866729&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping
My friends and I have a homemade food co-op. We don't do entire meals, but every two weeks we get together to exchange something homemade - we've made all sorts of things, from bread to tofu to apple butter to candied pecans. We say the portion should be the equivalent of a loaf of bread and that works for us. There are 10 participants and 5 make food for each exchange (so we get food twice a month but only cook once). It's a lot of fun!
My friends and I are getting ready to start a freezer meal swap for the fall - this is the book we have found the most recipes in:
http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Panic-Dinners-Freezer-Great-Tasting/dp/0800730550/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315233562&sr=8-1
There is also another one by the same author with additional recipes. I'll keep a lookout for more blankets like Cora's and Levi's. Do you have a BuyBuy Baby near you? I think they had some similar and they usually have good coupons! Can't wait to see pics of Baby Brother's room! Is it cooler there? - we woke up here in North Texas in the 60s which is awesome after so many days in the 100s!
Such a cool idea! Your meal looks quite tasty! Sorry, I can't help with the blanket, my youngest is 13 now!:)
i think this blanket is adorable but then again i am a sucker for polka dots :)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003D3O6NI/ref=asc_df_B003D3O6NI1694123?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B003D3O6NI
http://www.etsy.com/listing/54904243/striped-sweater-knit-baby-blanket?ref=sr_list_34&ga_search_query=knit+baby+blankets&ga_view_type=list&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=5&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade
Cute handmade lightweight knit blanket with binding on Etsy!
Found your blog throug kelly's link up! I think it is beautiful and your photographs are so gorgeous!
Good luck with baby no 2
Louise
xx
the meals idea is a great one! Next time I have a bunch of girls pregnant with me, I think I'll try it :)
we have lovers of blankies in this house too. When we took our 2 1/2 year old's paci away, she decided on her own, to part with her blanket :)
Have you looked at IKEA very recently? I was just there and they had a really sweet knit blanket in green and some other colours. I am in Canada, don't know it that makes a difference or not...
It's called Torva. There is a knit one and a fleece one.
I'll keep my eyes open for one! I love that Levi loves his so much!!
Hey Jess. I too loved our IKEA blanket so for baby #2 I was disappointed in the current knit one there, but that's what we went with instead of the cute one that was about $100 at Mothercare in Turkey. I just couldn't justify it. I'm sure you'll find something.
Yes-- my friends and I have just started a freezer meal swap! I am making enchiladas using the Old El Paso recipe on the side of the enchilada sauce can. Super easy and delicious!
Looks delish. Thanks for sharing! If we lived close, I would give you a prenatal massage! I'm certified in prenatal, l & d & after baby arrives massage!
Have a great Labor Day!
These might be out of your price range, but my friend makes the prettiest baby blankets:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/burlybunny?section_id=7196882
I'm not sure if they're too much and I see that there aren't a lot of options for colors, but I think that she could make something you want if you asked :)
I live in England and a company called Mamas and Papas have one very similar (it might actually be the same one - not sure). It is the knitted blanket in the gingerbread nursery decor collection. It is about £35 pounds (the pound is down so I don't know how much that is in US dollars). I keep hoping it will go on sale so I can get one! They do deliver internationally. Good luck!
I don't see any "colorful ones" but there are some cute brown and blue ones and blue and green on amazon!
http://www.amazon.com/Elegant-Baby-Striped-Blanket-Chocolate/dp/B003A0YP6M
http://www.amazon.com/Elegant-Baby-Multi-Stripe-Blanket/dp/B003D3O6LA
Oh, and saw you at the zoo today!
What a lovely idea! Greetings from South Africa!
I love your lasagna!! And you packaged it up so cute too. The freezer swap is a good idea and you will be so thankful you did it. :)
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4393718
This blanket looks like what you might be looking for. I have been following your blog for a long time and I wish you and your family all the best!
katie s
I ALWAYS make chicken tetrazini (sp?) for friends when they've had a baby. It is the easiest meal and it freezes really well.
Good luck finding the blanket. My youngest (Josie) had a wonderful blankie that a friend bought for her. It was a simple Carter baby blanket that someone had used a fancy sewing machine to customize with her name in cursive around the edge. Look on Etsy!
I just saw this on Cooking Light's Facebook page - a propos! http://www.cookinglight.com/food/top-rated-recipes/best-freezable-recipes-00412000070172/
I love this blanket and pillow from Room and Board...a little pricey but super cute!
http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/product/detail.do?productGroup=21266&catalog=room&category=rm_kids&subcategory=kid_nursery
My favorite blanket for my daughter is a lightweight knit polka-dot blanket made by a company called mudpie. I got mine at HomeGoods, and I see them online, but not in any boy colors! They do have this one though: http://www.baby-memory-books.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MP-174017&gdftrk=gdfV21453_a_7c1049_a_7c6923_a_7cMP_d_174017
Restoration Hardware Kids also has a similar one: http://www.rhbabyandchild.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=rhbc_prod227169&categoryId=rhbc_cat101043
I do love your striped blankets though! I hope you find one!
CUTE striped blanket!!
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=striped+knitted+baby+blanket&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=15172879622468741463#
I found an adorable tight knit blanket at Baby Gap when my oldest son was an infant. It has various shades of blue stripes. I hope you find one!
This comment has been removed by the author.
Just a few cute knit, striped blankets...both of them come in two different sizes. I've bookmarked both of them in case our baby is a boy!
http://www.livingtextiles.com/shop/item/crib-knitted-blankets---stripes-redaqua
http://www.livingtextiles.com/shop/item/cotton-knitted-blanket-rattle-toy---ziggy-lion-regular-size
http://www.livingtextiles.com/shop/item/crib-knitted-blankets---stripes-blue
In the 4 pregnancies we've had, I have NEVER had to worry about freezer meals. Some ladies in our church (not always the same ones) always enlists the other ladies to prepare and deliver nice yummy, hot meals every other day for 3 weeks after each baby. (You know how small our church is too! So, I'm surprised there isn't something like that at your church!) It was always a huge blessing for our family (and I think a blessing for them too as they got to see the new little one too)!
A freezer meal swap is such a great idea though! Happy hunting for that blanket.
I love the freezer swap idea! Even for non-pregers...I think any mom would love to have a few back-ups in her freezer...
I've never done a freezer swap before; however, we have a wonderful ministry at our church that provides 3-4 meals for new mommies. Basically, we get volunteers to make and take the new family a dinner every other day for at least a week. We used to try to do for 2 weeks but that was before the babies started coming in waves at our church (for example, we have 5 woman due all within a month a half of each other starting next week!)
I didn't realize what a blessing this was until after I had my first child 3 years ago. I don't do the cooking in my house; but it was nice for my hubby to get home and be able to help me right away and not have to prepare dinner.
This is such a great idea! I have found several great freezer meals (our favorite is the baked chicken penne) from www.ourbestbites.com
Found a couple from etsy:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/40460220/bungalow-stripe-baby-blanket-backed-with?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=stripe+baby+blanket&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade
and
http://www.etsy.com/listing/77974932/baby-toddler-blanket-30-x-30-with-minky?ref=sr_gallery_12&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=stripe+baby+blanket&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade
this lasagna sounds delicious,, do you completely cook everything before you freeze? I've never frozen any meals before. Good luck finding just the right baby blanket.
have you checked out gymboree? they normally have really cute blankets! and I may or may not still sleep with MY baby blanket from there... :) I'm 21 so you can imagine how well it has held up!
I love these freezer meal ideas:
http://literallyspoonful.blogspot.com/2011/08/good-freezer-meals.html
I found this on amazon. Even your freezer meals are cute! I Love how you jazz things up! :)
http://www.amazon.com/Living-Textiles-Baby-Knitted-Blanket/dp/B0048IJ9MA/ref=sr_1_14?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1315347060&sr=1-14
There are similar blankets on Living Textiles Baby under the blanket section.
Thank you for being real. I was surprised to see you say that you didnt know how to cook much but it sure made me feel good and less alone. Thank You!
what a smart, smart idea!
that lasagna looks yummy!
I found a blanket in the new IKEA catalog that looks a lot like what your trying to find for the new baby :)
Here's a link to it online:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30194855
I love this one
http://www.etsy.com/listing/78900575/sporty-striped-afghan-for-baby-boy-or
Love your blog! Not sure if the website Zulily has blankets but they do have a lot of cute stuff!! Zulily.com
I think I found a blanket that might work for you. Target is now carrying the designer Missoni and they have a baby blanket that fits your needs.
Susan
www.susansutherlin.blogspot.com
I came across these blankets the other day. Super cute. Elegantbaby.com. Page eight under baby blankets has a blue striped. I saw them in person and they are very soft. I want one now for my daughter!
My freezer cooking before giving birth included:
lasagna
meatloaf
uncooked chicken breasts bagged with marinade so they go right from freezer to oven
homemade chicken fingers
lots of muffins!
pancakes (made to fit in the toaster)
I participate in a food group too, only it's fresh food!! Here's how it works:
Once every ten weeks, four of us moms get together and plan a 'menu' for 10 weeks - each of us comes with 10-15 recipes, and we plan one meal (each) per week. We try to plan them so we don't end up with four chicken meals the same week - you know? We also, at this time, plan the foods our family likes - maybe some family didn't like my shepard's pie - so I nix that recipe and use a different one instead.
Then, every Sunday, at four pm sharp, the four of us meet at my house, and swap the four meals that were planned for that week - in other words, I make four of the same meal - so do they - and we swap them all. Then, how about that? We have food for the entire week - (we usually have two days of leftover, and one night to eat whatever - cereal, pancakes, or out!) - it's a FABULOUS way to do dinners, and I've done it now for 5 years. Couldn't go back to cooking every night! Plus I love that we have FRESH foods - like stuff that can't be frozen. It's a great idea - if you ever want more details - I have them! Just email me....
Marci
ticklesivories@yahoo.com
I know I am so late on this but I have never heard of a freezer meal shower...that is the BEST IDEA EVER!!! And now that I am on baby #4 it sounds like heaven :) Love your site!
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