Family Pictures

Last Saturday we had professional photos taken. The photographer ( Josh Spicer) was so calm with Taylor... She was beyond difficult to work with. We will get the rest of the proofs next week but he posted a sample on Facebook. What do you guys think?

( I look like I need to eat something.. but what do you do? This is what I look like)

( I love the blue eyes with this background)

( good family pic)

( This is my favorite so far)

( trouble maker)

So yummy

Last night I made Bacon and White Bean Soup. I got the reciepe from " For the Love of Cooking" It was wonderful, easy and sooo cozy.

Bean and Bacon Soup:

Recipe and photos by For the Love of Cooking.net

Adapted from Real Simple

• 4 strips of lean bacon
• 3 large carrot, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 15 1/2-ounce cans white beans, drained
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

In a large Dutch oven, fry the bacon until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels. Let cool, chop, and set aside.

Over medium heat, add the carrot, celery and onion to the pan drippings in the Dutch oven and sauté for 7 minutes; add the garlic and sauté for an additional 60 seconds, stirring constantly. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste.

Add 2 cans of beans, bay leaf and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the carrots and celery are soft.

Uncover and remove the bay leaf. Using a potato masher or an immersion blender, partially mash the bean mixture until it thickens slightly. Stir in the last can of beans, parsley and bacon. Taste and re-season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, if needed. Enjoy.

Family Pumpkin Carving

We had a wonderful time carving our family pumpkin this year, and I'm just giddy thinking about Halloween. How cute is Taylor? Darling

lovin' the guts.

all clean!

Drawing a spooky face

Cutting

Drawing my own face

Scary

Dunaway Weekly Plan

I have had a few people reach out to me regarding my weekly schedule. I am notorious for lists and planning so I thought I would share my process.

I have 4 things that I print on Sundays and keep handy throughout the week. I used to keep these in my office but I now have them on my refrigerator ( easier access and my husband can see what we are up to)

The first is my shopping list. I leave this up all week so as I think of ideas for next weeks meals, as well as for those odd little things that come up through the week... like pickles and double A batteries. I only grocery shop on Mondays. This cuts down on food expenditures and I loath going to the grocery store with a toddler. Again, I have a lot of people who think it's funny that I plan a week worth of meals. "What if you decide that you want something else? or have a craving for Fried Chicken" I don't change my mind. period. If I want Fried Chicken I put it on the schedule for next week.

Second: My Mommy to do List. This is self explanatory. I always find myself thinking of little bitties that need to be accomplished and I need a place to jot them down. This is a great way to see how productive you have been through the week.... and it doesn't hurt that my husband sees it too. Sometimes he thinks I nap all day and watch Day's of our Lives { let me clarify, I watch Days ( I have since I was 12, and I love it thank you very much)... it's just on in the background while I'm scrubbing the toilets.}

Third and Forth the current Month Schedule and Next Month Schedule.

Through the week:

Monday: Dunaway Day. This is the day that I try to get the majority of the house work done and our schedule set up for a successful week.

Tuesday: Free Day. Taylor and I are open almost all day ( after I clean the bathrooms) I usually plan a morning adventure to the San Diego Zoo or Botanical Gardens for story time. I also schedule all of Taylor's appointment, doctor, hair cut etc for Tuesday afternoons.

Wednesday: I work on The Pickled Bean for 8 to 3: Kathie our wonderful nanny is here to help me from 8 until noon.

Thursday: Taylor's Gym Class in the am and mommy group in the pm

Friday: I work on The Pickled Bean for 8 to 3, our wonderful nanny is here to help me from 8 until noon.

{ Each individual day is planned out as well. I have constant meal and nap time}

Ok, I'm a little over the top but you asked.... If you would like a copy of my Grocery List and Mommy to Do { I keep these on a great spread sheet} Just shoot me an email. ashleyedunaway@thepickledbean.com

This week for dinner

{Last Tuesday: Whole roasted chicken with root vegetables and a side salad}

{Last Wednesday: Crab stuffed salmon rounds, buttered rice and broccoli}

{ Last Thursday: Shredded Beef Enchiladas and Heirloom tomato and roasted corn salad}

Sunday: Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, with steamed carrots

Monday: Bean and Bacon Soup with Green Salad and Rosemary rolls

Tuesday: Steamed Mediterranean Halibut, Roasted Fingering Potatoes and Peas

Wednesday: Chicken Cordon Blue, Rice and Steamed Broccoli

Thursday: Slow cooker Pork Chops over egg noodles and vegetable medley

Friday: Homemade Pizza