Odds & Ends

1. I haven't had time to do ANY reading lately other than a few blog posts on my iPhone during Brecken feedings, but I did want to mention the book Service Included: Four Star Secrets of an Eavesdropping Waiter that I read several months ago. I've never been to Per Se in NYC and probably never will, but I loved reading the experience of working there and how things function behind the scenes. The book doesn't have great reviews on Amazon and people complain that she didn't spill enough secrets, but I didn't need those details...I just liked seeing how things operate and how ridiculous some of the customers, etc. can be! If you like books about the restaurant industry, check this one out!

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2. I wish I were better about journaling or scrapbooking (I guess this blog is as close as it gets!), and it was important to me that Brecken have some sort of a baby book. I did buy a traditional baby book that I'm working hard to fill out, but I also purchased this Mom's One Line a Day book which has been easy to fill out each day because you literally only have room for one line. I already love looking back on previous entries and cannot wait to give it to Brecken one day. Not a parent? They have just a generic version that would also be a fun way to journal a few years of your life!

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3. The night I went into labor, I made this Roasted Pepper Panzanella for dinner. I didn't bother photographing it because I figured we'd have the leftovers the next day and I'd take pictures then. Obviously that never happened (eating the leftovers or taking pictures!), but I wanted to point you in the direction of the recipe because we really loved it! I wish I'd used a spicier salumi, like they recommended, but otherwise we found it perfect...definitely remake worthy!

Two of our Relished meals: L-Shrimp Spinach Salad, R-Strip Steak with Veggie Hash

NOTE----Relished has rebranded as Home Chef...check them out!

4. A few weeks ago, Relished sent us three meals to try out. What is Relished, you ask? It's basically a meal planning and delivery service...they send you the exact fresh ingredients you need (down to the correct measurement!) to make meals (recipe cards included!). In other words, you're able to eat healthy meals at home without having to worry about grocery shopping or dealing with excess ingredients. For me personally, there are definite pros and cons. Right now, as we're adjusting as a family of three, it'd be fabulous to not worry about groceries or meal planning. Similarly, I'm sure there are a lot of busy families or even working couples who don't have time to worry about food, but don't want to eat out every single night. On the other hand, I'm someone who (obviously) loves to meal plan and grocery shop, so simply going online to order a pre-determined menu would take all the fun out of it for me.

All that being said, we were really impressed with the entire process. We received the ingredients for three meals: Sautéed Shrimp and Baby Spinach Salad, Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken with Cavatappi Pasta and Sweet Pea Primavera, and Pan Seared Strip Steak with Roasted Vegetable Hash. Everything arrived well packaged, fresh, and complete with instructions (including a tip to make the shrimp meal first for maximum freshness!). The recipe cards were easy to follow, nothing took more than 30 minutes to prepare, and the meals genuinely tasted good.

This isn't a service I'd regularly pay for, especially since I can prepare meals for much cheaper than $10/serving, but it would definitely be fantastic for busy weeks or those who have the money but not the time or desire to shop or cook elaborate meals! 

Want to try it yourself? Relished is giving all Sweets Life readers 50% off their order with the discount code thesweetslife. If this is something you think you'd like, take advantage of this huge deal and see what you think!

One Year Ago: Fudgy Rocky Road Bars
Two Years Ago: Payday Cookie Bars
Three Years Ago: Pesto Quiche with Oatmeal Crust
Four Years Ago: Chickpea Spinach Stew