New Lights

Allow me to illuminate…

Let me shed some light on the situation…

I’m already out of witty puns. (Which is probably a good thing.)

Anyway, you might remember that a few weeks ago, I was cooking in the shadows. Some of you were so supportive, I feel like I owe it to you not to leave you in the dark. (Okay, I had one more.) For any readers just joining- our kitchen light, the ugly fluorescent thing it was, burned out. I’m actually glad it did, because I wanted to replace it from the moment we moved in. But you know how it goes, it worked- and there were other projects… So there it stayed. Then as luck would have it, the thing stopped doing its’ job and forced me to replace it. Sounds easy when I type it out… but it was so much more complicated than that! First of all, obviously, I love being in the kitchen. It’s where I spend the majority of my awake time. One of my favorite things about my house is that I can be with my family when they’re doing homework, watching TV, playing games, etc., while I am in the kitchen. (Another thing is that I have enough cupboards to accommodate my bundt pan collection, not that this has anything to do with picking out a light…) The point is, the kitchen is important to me. I enjoy cooking and baking… and I just wanted the light to be perfect.

The fluorescent monstrosity after the burned-out bulbs were removed.

I have, what I believe to be, an unusually difficult time making decisions. I don’t know, maybe everybody does? (Some people, not to mention names – Joanna Gaines- make it look so easy.) I surveyed these popular farmhouse industrial lights, that are really great. But my kitchen was built in the early 2000’s when Tuscan kitchens were the thing. Which is fine, because I like warm woods and I’m pretty traditional… but all of the new kitchens that look great with the “Fixer Upper” farm style lights are white on white (white cabinets with white counter tops). They’re beautiful, just not what I’ve got (and a kitchen remodel is not happening right now). So, it was hard for me to picture, because I’m one who needs to see it. When I would search for pictures of kitchens of my era, a lot of the lighting already looked outdated. Next, although my house has many traditional elements, the previous owners did some very nice contemporary upgrades. I actually like those too, because I like everything (which plays a part in my decision making problems). Since there is such an open concept in my home, I don’t want to clash elements with a fixture too old school. Then, there is the added consideration of the adjacent light over the kitchen table; they have to match, or at least get along. (Blah blah blah… it’s all very boring, I know.)

Original kitchen table light, moved to dining room

Originally, the light over the kitchen table was a long line of what looks like wax candles (that are actually not). It’s a pretty light… that looked better over my dining room table. After several texts and scouring the internet, my mom helped me pick out a new light (pictured below). I loved that it had a traditional feel- that was still up-to-date with the urban industrial farmhouse trend. The oiled bronze finish complimented the coppery tones in my countertops, and didn’t fight the black iron railings of the nearby modern stairway. However, the length was not adjustable and I did not like how the directness of the light was limited to only what lied underneath. Meaning, it was like a spot light for the table… or if we replaced the table with a chair, we could have done interrogations.

First attempt, spot light

The matching island light was three lights, identical to the pendant light over the table. In theory, it was perfect. In reality, it was not happening. The real issue wasn’t that when the old rectangular box above the stovetop was removed, there wasn’t an electrical box. And it wasn’t that the ceiling would now need patching and paint. It was that the length of the light this fixture was also not adjustable, and wouldn’t work over my gas range. (Sad face and sigh.)

So we sent it back.

The silver lining was that for as long as my husband has known me, I have wanted a pot rack. (I’m an old soul type, who would dream about babies, fireplaces, pot racks, and sculpted bakeware… I love what I love.) But I was concerned about a couple things… One, undoubtedly being, that even with a 10 foot ceiling, I needed to make sure that after the length of a mounted rack and hanging pans, I had room to stir in my biggest pot. Clearly, I need to cook! Second, I was concerned about the amount of light that would actually shine through. After cooking for weeks by lamplight, I wondered about how much glow would be obstructed by hanging pots and pans. I want to see what I’m doing!

My pot rack! Now for more hangable pots…

The solutions were easy with a little more thought. (And the fallback that they too could be returned.) I liked the look of the pendant over the kitchen table, so I found a wider style with an open top (less like a spotlight) on a chain (adjustable). For the island, I found a pot rack (also adjustable in length) with lights open to viewing, positioned above the pots, and with the pot hooks spread farther out than the lights- as to not block them. (I also intend to get the popular Edison bulbs, in the near future.) Overall, the fixture gives the space a kind of old world feel, and the credibility of a real working kitchen that I find charming without rivaling the contemporary aspects of my home. The styles of the two lights were not identical but complementary… they work… I can see in the morning and at night… I’m happy.

The light fixtures

I’d like to thank my husband and father-in-law who spent much of their recent weekends hanging lights, and taking them down, (and taking them to UPS), and installing electrical boxes and weight bearing structures… Thank you.

Loving Lately

I’m a mess this week, a walking inconsistency- like the weather in Michigan. I don’t know if I should turn on the heat or the air conditioning. Should I take a nap or go for a walk? I want to bake and lounge reading a book. (I really should vacuum out the crumbs in my car.) The only constant is that I am 2 years behind on discovering more fine stuff. I finished Parks and Recreation on Netflix, it was a good show. And I just read Molly On the Range by Molly Yeh, food blogger and creator of My Name is Yeh. So. much. fun. Who knows what I might discover last next? So exciting- and I’m sleepy, all at the same time.

Image courtesy of Pinterest

I finally got my haircut. I have mixed feelings about it. It’s fine… but, I have discovered that I can still put it into a pony tail- which is a comfort and an annoyance. I really wanted to be more mature than that, but not so much that I didn’t cover up my gray.

Image courtesy of birthdaywishes.expert

In other news, my friend Pinterest, who knows me so well, has randomly selected vintage pictures of things like Volkswagen Beetles and Fiats, etc., to post on my feed. How did they know? I love them! They’re happy. Not like the boho-chic park it at Venice Beach VW’s, like classic carefree vintage I want to go on a road trip, drink an espresso, and ride a Vespa. Whatever. I’m digging it.

Image courtesy of thefancy.com

Of course, I’m always into food. How cute are these (very thematic) black and white donuts by the aforementioned Molly Yeh?

And how great is this Volkswagen Beetle playing peek-a-boo behind this wall? (…I’m sure it’s a phase.)

Image courtesy of Pinterest

So the graffitied wall is a little out of character, but the shiny turquoise vintage bug still makes me want to buy a new pair of high heels in a primary color! (But seriously, who am I trying to kid? A pair of fuzzy Ugg slippers are so much more pragmatic.)

I’m going back to bed… or getting a cup of coffee.

Featured image courtesy of blogcelianeri.wordpress.com

Loving Lately

There is nothing like feeling uncomfortable, literally in your jeans that are getting too tight, than going full bonkers in a delicate-state-of-mind-moment and changing your appearance unrecognizable to your family and self to: A. Inspire you to make those changes that push you forward and make you grow. Or B. Accelerate the inevitable bout of upcoming depression. Either way, I’m all about the short hairstyles lately and my appointment is set for next week.

The key for me (which I have painfully learned through past experience) is not to do a drastic cut and color change at the same time. Pick one or the other. If you decide to go with a drastic color change (and you are not a spy or on the lam), may I also suggest from painful past experience to slowly transition into newly lightened or darkened hair with highlights or lowlights, etc to get accustomed to the changes rather than fully regretting your spontaneity. That said, I am also one to encourage others to go for it. You might love it!

Currently, I am cringe-in-the-mirror worn out with my ridiculous folded-pony/bun, lack of any style go-to. It’s just so easy and natural for me to do. Therefore, I have decided to make sure the hairstylist cuts it short enough that it is impossible to even reach a ponytail. I am forcing myself out of my comfort zone, in hopes that I will be inspired to make changes all around. Would I like it to look like the “face-slimming” style above? Yes. However, I realize that it also requires work, which I am likely not to do.

Ideally, my newly cut hair would just fall into perfectly coiffed place, and would accentuate my obviously small waist like the photo above (courtesy of eshorthairsyles.com). But for my daily routine of chauffeur, chef, housekeeper, etc. I really need a wash and go- or something equally as effortless. (I am incorrigible.) I think I would be happy with this (courtesy of stylendesigns.com):

Cute, right? Seems doable.

In my hair dreams, my artsy, pulled together, boho-chic, creative writing self would style it like this (courtesy of hercampus.com):

But if I don’t take the time to braid my long hair, what is the likelihood I would braid my short hair? Ultimately, I am certain that my hair will end up with a variation of what I know best. But I am set in my heart that even this will look better and more stylish than my current situation. (Photo below courtesy of byrdie.com)

I’ll let you know how it goes… Maybe I’ll even be brave enough to post a before and after? (Don’t hold your breath, I doubt it.)

Featured image courtesy of byrdie.com

Whiskey in a Tea Cup

Whiskey in a Tea Cup? Sounds like a fine idea to me. However, the notion that “southern women are a combination of beauty and strength” resonates with me even stronger. Not that I’m a southern woman, because even though I lived in Tennessee for 2 years, by all standards I’m a certified northerner. That said, I never realized what a southern woman I actually am! I suppose it does make sense. On my father’s side, the lineage is clear: German, Irish and French Canadian. On my mother’s side it went like this: GG (what we called my great-grandmother) was from Texas. After she was married, they moved to Tennessee. Along the way (like the Dolly Parton song), they moved from the Appalachians to Detroit for work.  My maternal grandfather also had roots in Tennessee. All that seemed important to the cross-culturalism of mom’s side is that we’re from the south and we know we have some Cherokee (My paternal great-great grandfather was Cherokee- which they always accredited for my high cheek bones.) Since I came from a stable loving home, full of support, holiday traditions, nightly dinners, large family gatherings- I never questioned the origin of the devotion to fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits. It was just all I knew.

Instantly, I was smitten with Whiskey in a Teacup. Reading it is like cheerfully walking down Familiar Lane; pleasant and homey with an emphasis on family and the good times. It reminds me of a single volume of an annual subscription of Southern Living Magazine through the life and eyes of Reese Witherspoon. She gives family recipes (which I always appreciate) and party menu lists for year round celebratory occasions. Do I want to have a Kentucky Derby Party complete with pretty dresses and oversized hats? Yes, I do. And I want to serve Reese’s suggested Mint Juleps and Chocolate Derby Pecan Pie. She includes entertaining anecdotes from her childhood and endearing memories of her grandparents, mom, brother, family and friends. She made me want to put on my pearl necklace and get a dog. Reese had me reminiscing about my own grandparents’ huge garden and my grandpa’s work habits, from dawn to dusk even after retirement. In such a BFF kind of way, Reese takes her personal sharing even further- by suggesting music play lists for events like a “Southern Party” and road trips. She gives instructions for how to use hot rollers, and diagrams for how to set casual, as well as, formal table settings (with clever ways to remember). She gives hostess tips, attendee advice, flea market strategies, book reading suggestions, and gift ideas for a variety of occasions. I too love monograms Reese! It is an art under-appreciated in the north, and so is wall paper, soul sister.

My affirmations of my southern upbringing (in the north) were confirmed by the big hair and love of make-up Reese attributed to women of the south. (However, it’s possible that in general the Jersey shore has the whole country beat.) Nobody outdoes my mother. She has never been caught in any photograph, broad daylight, or getting out of bed without her hair done (big) and lipstick applied. Of course, Reese explains that although it rang true for her grandmother, it seemed to skip a generation on her mother. I admit, it seems to have passed me by. But it is already strong with my daughter – a real northern “Southern Belle” in the making. Although the “put your face on” approach to life for me is reserved for special occasions, the love of holidays and the joy of over-the-top decorating for every celebratory day on the calendar has not been lost on me. It is in full effect. Full Effect. From the stair banisters, to the mantels, to the (respective holiday) motif dishes and serve ware, to the annual traditions of gathering and food; holiday celebrations are cherished in my home. I love dressing up for the holidays. And I get it when you say “…We like having things to look forward to–times that we know will be entirely about family and togetherness and the kids and the things that really matter…” Yes, ma’am.

Thanks to Reese Witherspoon’s newly released book, I understand so much more of my southern roots! My mom’s sayings, (Reese’s “Betty-isms”), i.e., Pretty is as pretty does and To have a good friend, be a good friend, her affinity for equestrian themed art, and her natural ability to hostess, her understanding of complimentary fabrics and patterns… My love of Bluegrass, the banjo, quilts, and Dolly Parton… So, even if I’m in Michigan, Reese is in California, and you are where you are… Our southern connection transcends state lines. So ring the brass bell and raise our teacups, because I’ll toast to that!

Nuts & Lights

When it seems like it’s everybody else… it must be me.

I do realize I have created my own situation. I’m coming to terms with it. I’m nuts!

My kitchen island light burned out last week. We smelled something burning and the light didn’t turn on… it was over. Which is fine because I never liked having Kmart-ish fluorescent bulbs over my kitchen island anyway. The problem lies in finding time to shop for a new fixture- but, even more-so, when the time permits, making decisions… alone. First things first. The kids are starting school. As much as I try, I’m really not good at organizing- not really. I remember meeting at a coffee shop last year with a few room moms to plan an elementary school party when they were talking about the difficulty of balancing it all… I made a random (true) statement about just being glad my kids had their snacks in their backpacks. I’m not exaggerating when I say I got a couple side looks and a full blank stare into my eyes. (This is why I shouldn’t volunteer for anything. On top of being erratic, I really am an introvert, and like to avoid this kind of stuff at all costs.) I was serious. In seven years, and with three of my four children enrolled in public school, I may have forgotten a snack twice. That doesn’t nullify the fact that it feels like an accomplishment every time it makes it into the backpack. My life gets hectic. There are definitely those mornings when I haven’t grocery shopped in close to two weeks and I feel like a genius that I remember we have half of a sleeve of Ritz crackers in the pantry and I find a bag of microwave popcorn I can nuke. Success. 

But whatever. Right now, I need to buy a light, and I don’t want to do it by myself. I need someone to bounce my thoughts off of! I am a person who prefers not to socialize, who can’t make a decision by myself. What?! I’m ridiculous! My husband really doesn’t care what I buy. Scheduling time with him after work with the kids’ sports schedules is nearly impossible anyway. My mom has been up north at their cabin literally all summer. She is my “go to”. That is the drawback with placing myself in solitary confinement. When your only friend is away… (big, deep, sad breath). The truth is I really detest asking people for favors. Loathe. Which is why I bring all four children to my son’s orthodontist appointment; I sit in the lobby with three children and occasionally walk back to check on him. I take all four of my kids to my baby’s physical and we cram in a tiny pediatric examination room. Is it convenient? Not at all. It is what it is, and what I have made it. In fact, I thought of a great book title for myself, considering I’m a little kooky (and I’m doing this Paleo/low carb diet thing again), “If You Are What You Eat, Then I’m a Nut.” Good right? Very Erma Bombeck. 

Let me shed some more light on my situation. (Pun intended… so clever.) I haven’t seen my high school best friend in like 3 years. No wait, we ran into her at the hospital last year. Regardless, I still consider her one of my best friends. If she needed me to pick her up from an abandoned warehouse in Detroit at 2 am I would tell her “I’m on my way.” I love her wholly. We are friends on Facebook, and I know what her children look like. We text on birthdays… I would still ask her to be my bridesmaid (like she was 17 years ago.) We just never see each other.

It’s the same thing with my best friend from college. I’m crazy about her. Last year, I moved about 20 minutes away from her. She came to my house shortly after we moved in, and we have met once for dinner since; which, considering we have gone years practically without contact let alone a visit, is pretty good. I love her being and her family and her company… I know she feels the same way about me. Which is perfect and enough. Our plans for last Friday went something like this: On Monday we texted how much we missed each other and how we have to get together. It resulted in arrangements that she would let me know where her daughter would be cheering on Friday, so my family could come to watch. Then we would all go out for ice cream or something afterwards. On the following Saturday, I texted her to sarcastically thank her for the non-existent forwarded information. To which I acknowledged that I was not at all upset (or surprised) over and even slightly grateful for, because I am anti-social. It might sound pathetic, but it works for us.

So, back to the light. At this point making dinner has worked out okay because we still have daylight at night. But packing lunches in the morning by the recessed light over the kitchen sink and candlelight is getting annoying. Alright I haven’t lit a candle yet, but it’s possible I yelled at the kids not to shut the refrigerator door because I needed the phosphorescent. Maybe shopping is not difficult for some people. Certainly, now that most of my kids are back in school, it should be easier. No. Labor Day weekend was filled with closet organization for all of my kids, weeding the front yard, attaining last minute school supplies and a mandatory pool party on the holiday itself. (I didn’t want my kids to think summer was all work.) My daughter started gymnastics after school on Tuesday. I began pre-school at home with my youngest child. We are in the process of selling a house- which has required paperwork and phone calls… on top of the bills to send out at the beginning of the month. On Thursday, my son had a follow-up pediatric appointment (which we attended with just the two of us, YAY!) and started soccer. This week, I’ve been attempting healthy dinners every night to nourish my little learners. Also, I started this stupid diet, and I battled a sugar withdrawal headache for two days. (Don’t mind me I’m hangry for carbs.) Who has time to read their own books, or write, or blog, or shop for a light?

But the light fixture is a must. I know I can’t avoid it, and really don’t want to eat in the dark this winter. So, who else can I ask? For my self-imposed situation, that leaves my sister. I love my sister as much as any human can love another. She is the best. She’s solid. She also has great ideas and style. She is very dependable… and the worst person for me to ask a favor. I’ll explain. She would do anything for anybody she loves, and even strangers. She stretches herself so thin and to the point of exhaustion so much for others that I rarely can muster the nerve to ask her to do anything. In addition, making plans with my sister is an Erma Bombeck story. We’re both kind of nuts. (Sorry Ray.) For example, on Labor Day we are at her house for a pool party. In between watching the kids swim, splash, eat, etc., we make small talk about how we’re going to start walking when the kids go back to school. She wants to start right away, and I mention that I really need to shop for a new kitchen island light. I (reluctantly) share that I could use her help making a decision… we end up scheduling for Friday. There’s a major heat wave so I bail on walking- besides I’m busy. On Thursday night, I send her some ideas of fixtures I’m looking at on-line, and the different reasons I like them. I’m already sending anxious vibes about not knowing what lighting store to go to. (I’m also trying to think about how I need to pack myself and the four kids for our weekend trip. I see the stack of dishes from dinner that I know I need to clean up before we head out. I’m thinking about the Costco sized bags of stinking chicken breasts and frozen broccoli etc., that are going to be rotting in our garbage cans while we’re gone since the refrigerator in the garage quit working; When? I don’t know, but I found it yesterday. I start to question the idea of something wrong with our electric system since the kitchen light was fried and the refrigerator went kaput?) On Friday morning, my sister sends me a text asking if we’re still going. (She knows me so well.) She also mentions that she’s babysitting in the middle of the day during a lunch hour. She adds that she needs to let the neighbor’s dog out before we leave; that she has to drop off a prescription for her brother-in-law’s mother-in-law’s friend; that she promised to pick up some dry cleaning for an elderly lady she met at the grocery store; and, that she has committed to taking homemade organic nut and gluten free granola bars (which will need a quick 15-20 minutes in the oven) to the PTO meeting after school. She remains hopeful, but I know full-well that when she leaves that PTO meeting, she will no-doubtedly be late to her son’s football game- since she has also promised to water her out-of-town pastor’s family’s flowers before sundown. I add that I just got a text from my middle schooler saying he forgot his poster board for science class, so I need to drop that off before his fourth hour. (Okay, okay- some of that isn’t true, but you get the point.) Light shopping will have to wait.

So, like my husband predicted a week ago, I’ll probably buy a few lighting fixtures on line- that I will return (i.e., have him return so I don’t see people) because I hate them… after we get home from our weekend getaway.

I already know.

I need some almonds.

The End.

How To’s for Fall

Mind-blowing!

(Maybe not) But with step-by-step tutorials at our fingertips, we can be at the top of our game. Or, at least in the game. And I’m going to share a few of my current Fall “how to” faves with you.

The last time I was in France I got inspired and caught up in the moment, and purchased scarves… that I never wore again. Mostly, because I don’t know what the heck I’m doing. But wait until you see me this fall! I’m going to drop 6 dress sizes, curl my hair, and look just like her… Well, I’m going to tie my scarf like her.

 

Now that we are cultured and polished, it’s only the course of nature- to throw a party! Harvest time begs for celebrations. Thankfully, Martha Stewart has it all planned out for us in her Wine Tasting Party 101. (Click on text to the left) Cheers!

Photograph by Bryan Gardner Courtesy of marthastewart.com

If scarves and parties aren’t your thing, not to fear! I have more interests too. Fall is an inspiring season for in-home projects. The weather is cooler and the fresh air wafting through the open windows is invigorating!

I think I have previously mentioned that we painted over a rather large mural in one of the rooms in our home. I’m not kidding. This is the mural (courtesy of zillow.com, because I don’t have a wide angle lens):

This is the drab and lifeless wall as it stands:

I would love to show you the after photo, right after I finish it; which is why I’m studying “How to Hang a Gallery Wall the Right Way”. Thank you for laying it out for us momtastic.com!

Of course, bakers everywhere are full of fresh-out-of-the-oven anticipation with autumn being just a few weeks away. So naturally, I am in chomping at the bit to start pie season! If you admire those beautiful lattice work pies, but don’t know how to weave crust perfection… look no further. Ali Martin of Gimme Some Oven has broken it down for us.

Last, but not least, for us here in the upper midwest the gardening season is coming to an end. However, we don’t want our bountiful herbs to go to waste. Hence- the preservation system that will get us through the long winter months. The Garden Glove gives great tips for drying herbs, as well as, sharing other great and innovative ideas! For example, freezing herbs in olive oil… Those flavorful cubes make great soup starters!

Well, I feel more prepared for Fall… I hope you do too!

Stay well everyone! (Because cold and flu season is right around the corner. Lol! Don’t worry, there are many websites full of “how to” home remedies.)

Loving Lately

So many things to love lately.

  1. Let’s start with deep dish (square) BBQ Chicken Pizza from Jet’s because it’s the best. Grilled chicken, red onion, and barbecue sauce on top of their perfectly balanced crispy crust with a little soft chew. I just can’t get enough of it lately. Towards the beginning of summer my in-laws came over and ordered one… and for a moment everything was right. Genius! It’s summer pizza, and “ba-da-da-da-da I’m lovin’ it.”

2. Haircuts. We’re getting ready for back-to-school over here. Look at those little hoodlums with their tight lines. (I really don’t know why they gave the scowls. They remind me of some Irish ruffians from the local football (soccer) club hanging out at the neighborhood pub.) Love ’em.

Number 3. True story: I’d been eyeing this popular blogger cookbook, hugely successful, awarded and recognized… and I like to support my fellow bloggers (even though they have no idea who I am). But, it’s kind of pricey. And because I have more cookbooks than I could ever really make all of the recipes, I really try to bargain hunt. But this one boasts recipes made by specific farmer’s market ingredients from like avocado to zucchini or something- so I splurged. (And on my way out I grabbed the bargain, Cook’s Country Cookbook– every recipe from every season.) When I got home I went through every page of my new collection of recipes. I quickly realized that the whole book was vegetarian, which is okay I don’t mind a “meatless Monday” now and again. Except to me the whole thing seemed like uninspiring side dishes. I don’t know how many vegetarian tacos I could eat? Then I opened my ‘bargain’ book- the first recipe was that mac n’ cheese with tomatoes pictured above. (Coincidentally enough it’s vegetarian.) It jumped right out at me and immediately I wanted to eat it. My mom used to bake tomato slices on top of her homemade mac n’ cheese! I love how the bursts of tomato and their little acidity gave a burst of juice and complimented the cheesiness. That was just page one, and the awesomeness didn’t stop there. Needless to say, I returned the pricey ‘popular’ book. Loving Lately: The Complete Cook’s Country TV Show Cookbook.

Quatro. I love Michigan summers. I’m sure most people who live in regions with similar climates (cold and snowy winters) love this time of year. Everything is green and the sky is blue. But I am so partial to Michigan! Our lakes and waterways get so much play and appreciation right now. The picture above is from the Tahquamenon River just a couple weeks ago, and for a minute I was in a time warp. It was so peaceful and could have easily been fifty- or one hundred- or so on- years ago. I love those little connections where we seem so small and insignificant and get to enjoy such vast timeless beauty… and I love summer in Michigan.

I really could go on. Right now the kids are healthy, I’m not stressing over pulling weeds or school clothes shopping. (I probably should be.) I’m trying new recipes and enjoying the prospects of writing… I’m just loving.

Strawberry Buckle Muffins

I’ll just get right to the point: Strawberry Buckle Muffins from Jessica Seinfeld’s Food Swings are absolutely delicious. D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S. I love them. I love that they are perfect for the ‘right now’ since strawberries are still in season, but seeing that fall is on the horizon I am getting those urges to bake (at least the kids are going back to school, so it feels like summer is coming to an end). I love the crumb “buckle” topping. And I love the little pops of reddish-pink in the little puffy cream tops of sweet cakes. (Isn’t that what muffins really are? Cakes? It is no wonder that I can’t lose a pound… but on the upside- I am eating muffins.)

Since the beginning of my blog I have tried to share my favorite recipes (family’s and found). Because I have a conflict within myself about copyrights… (I go back and forth. I mean, I bought the book so the recipe is rightfully mine to use… And as long as I give full credit -which I always do, even when inspired by a recipe that I have changed… blah, blah, blah.) I still assume that ‘legally’ I cannot publish the recipe even though I don’t get paid for my blog, yet 😉 So in this case, I have modified the recipe and method slightly. And if I do say so myself, it might even be better.

(Also, in other slightly related news, because I haven’t mentioned it before- I strongly endorse Jessica Seinfeld’s cookbook, Food Swings which came out last year. It’s a balance of healthy and indulgent, hence the subtitle Virtue & Vice. It’s up to date and relevant for the current trends including gluten free recipes, and power foods, etc., while maintaining the everyday approach to simply prepared meals for busy people. #winner).

Inspired by Strawberry Buckle Muffins from Food Swings:

For the Buckle Topping

3/4 cup Flour

1/3 cup Rolled Oats

1/4 cup Sugar

1/4 cup Brown Sugar

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

1/4 tsp grated Nutmeg

1/8 tsp Salt

6 Tbsp (3/4 stick) Butter, diced small and chilled

For the Muffins

1¼ cups Flour

3/4 cup Sugar

1/4 tsp Baking Soda

1/2 tsp Salt

1/2 cup (1 Stick) butter, melted

2 Eggs, beaten

1/2 cup Sour Cream

1 tsp Vanilla

1 cup Sliced Strawberries

 

Preheat the oven to 350º. Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray or line with papers.

For the buckle toppling, whisk together the flour, oats, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. With a pastry cutter (or 2 butter knives), blend half of the butter into the flour mixture. Set aside.

For the muffins, whisk the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Add the melted butter and stir. Add the eggs, sour cream and vanilla. Stir until combined. Gently fold in the strawberries.

(Such a pretty batter, isn’t it?)

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin tin cups (I like to use an ice cream scoop). Spoon the buckle topping over the batter. Place the remaining diced bits of butter evenly throughout the muffins. (It’s going to taste so good.)

Bake for 20-24 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let muffins cool on a rack (if you can wait) before serving.

 

 

The Whodunnit Dream

I think she was a country singer. I really didn’t know anything about her, except that she was a real southern lady- generous, hospitable and kind… and that I was a guest in her large southern home. They had found her lifeless that morning, the workers of her estate. It just didn’t add up. Who would want to kill such a wonderful woman? Well it seemed, as her houseguest, I should at least look for clues. I felt like I owed that to her. The home was full of dark wood walls and carvings, the very height of fashion about fifty years ago when it was built. It had felt so warm and full of life just last night. Now, it all seemed dated and cold, like artifacts in a museum. As I went into her bedroom, nothing seemed mysterious or out of place. But wait, why was there a red handprint on top of that bookshelf? It seemed like a print left behind from a cheaply dyed glove that had gotten wet. Could that be evidence left from the killer? (Cue the music: dun dun dun) All of the sudden, I got an uneasy feeling that I wasn’t alone. Was it possible the killer had come back to the scene of the crime to tie up loose ends? Just then, I heard the hallway door start to close. I knew it was the murderer, and I couldn’t let them get away! I reached out my hand to grab the suspect, but all I got was a cold hand as they tried to push the door shut. I felt her long sharp nails as she pulled away and ran. It was too late. She was gone.

Later in the day, I had gathered my things to leave. It didn’t seem right to stay. I wanted to help, but I really didn’t have much to go on and couldn’t imagine getting another opportunity. It was driving me crazy. Who was that woman and why would she do it? It was day one, and already everyone had given up on a search for any suspects or reasons why. But I just couldn’t. I still had time. There was a large gathering in a room outside of my door. They were employees, friends and family who had assembled to process their grief and remember a special lady. I went out into the room and struck up a conversation with a woman with short, red, curly hair, sitting alone in the corner on a built in bench. Her name was Trixie. And I couldn’t help but notice the detailed flowers painted on her very long nails. As the conversation went along, I just came out with it. “Why did you do it? I asked. 

“Do what?”

“Why did you kill her?” I grabbed her hand to look for stains leftover from cheap gloves, like the print on the bookcase. I wanted to catch her red handed. But, when looked at her palms they were clean. Darn! She must have washed them. As she pulled her hand away, there was no denying that scratch, the very same one I felt in the hallway. She was the culprit! But how could they convict anyone with so little evidence? Nails weren’t enough, I’d have to get a confession.

“I didn’t,” she replied. 

She was going to be tough to crack. “Was it because of her boyfriend?” I prodded.

“She had a boyfriend?” she retorted.

“I don’t know.” I had to admit. “I was just trying to get a motive.” I could tell this was going nowhere. “Well, I have no proof and no evidence. No one, would believe me anyway. Why don’t you just tell me why? I really just want to know. I won’t tell anyone.” I declared.

“I did love her boyfriend” admitted Trixie.

“So it was you! I knew it!” I said with satisfaction. But she had trusted me and my vow, I couldn’t turn her in now. I quickly thought it over. Surely, this was an isolated incident. It was a crime of passion, not to be duplicated… and besides, it was done. But (I reasoned with myself), what if she did strike again? How could I ever live with myself, knowing I had let a murderer go free? “I’m sorry, I lied to you” I said as I grabbed her and held her toward the large assembly in the room. “It was Trixie!” I stated loudly to everyone, realizing that I didn’t know her last name. “Trixie… “ I said again in such a lingering way as to let everyone know that I needed help filling in the blank. As I looked around the faces in the room, it was evident nobody else knew her last name either. “No one knows her last name?” I questioned. The room stayed quiet as I tried to meet all of their eyes one by one. A few people swiveled their heads from side to side indicating they did not. Awkward. At least I had the villain in hand, or did I? I looked down in my arms to realize I wasn’t actually holding Trixie, but a bag of pita chips. How did she escape? That slippery scoundrel! I caught her out of the corner of my eye making an escape out the front door. I quickly darted after her. I couldn’t let her get away again! Of course, it was raining outside as I gave chase. Naturally, I wasn’t wearing shoes… so I braced myself for the cold wet plunge as I lunged at her. And that was it. I had her in custody and the police would be coming to take her away soon. (I assume.)

That was when I woke up. My son was calling my name from his bunk bed on the other end of the camper. His mosquito bites were itching and driving him nuts. And since I was up, I figured I might as well jot down the caper.

Ben & Jerry’s gives me the weirdest dreams…

It had been raining all night, and my feet were cold since they had come uncovered. But the pita chips? That was a mystery.

The end.

Fails & Finds

For the first time, in a long time, I had a “laugh out loud” fail. I was trying to replicate “Jo’s Fatayar” from my Magnolia Table cookbook. It was an uphill battle from the start. I knew the name itself would draw criticism from my family. It did. Not that they had any knowledge on which to base their rejection, just the simple fact that my family had not heard of it before is enough to get them riled. Of course, after reading the ingredients (ground beef, cheddar cheese, thawed hash browns, biscuit dough, etc.), I knew there was nothing really objectionable. I likened it to a pasty; beef, potato and onion in a baked crust- a personal package of seasoned meat filling. I don’t know if it was because I replaced the suggested “Grands” with my organic “Annie’s” pre-made biscuit dough, or because the method just relied on pinching the triangle-cornered pockets together without any type of egg wash, or such, binding… But, I knew about half-way through the cooking process, when I went to switch the baking sheets on the oven racks for even heat distribution and saw that my ‘pockets’ looked more like little ‘pizzas’ with unevenly disbursed mounds of beef and cheese, that my attempt was a complete fail. It really was laughable compared to the picture from the cookbook. My kids certainly (after hearing the confession of my mess up) wouldn’t try it now. My husband was a good sport, after smothering it in ketchup. (I liked it best with a dash of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce.) The dough, easy to bend into a taco shape while warm, actually reminded me of a Taco Bell chalupa shell. I made a mental note of this for future experimentation, took a picture of the mishap, and reheated various leftovers to salvage dinner. The kids were pleased.

I, however, am pleased with one of my new cookbooks, Real Girl’s Kitchen. I’m a fan of Hailey Duff’s blog, Real Girl’s Kitchen, and have followed it for a while. I really love her not overly complicated, but heart felt approach to cooking and living. I know the book has been out for a while, but it was still new to me and instantly one of my faves. I appreciate how transparent she is about trying to make healthy choices while still being delicious (my goal in food), as opposed to many celebrity books I buy where I’m constantly questioning to myself as to whether or not they actually eat their recipes (although tasty). I also really like that the majority of recipes are for one. I know that might sound weird, but usually when I cook healthy or want to try something fun (like goat cheese stuffed chicken breast, wrapped in prosciutto with shallot sauce), I know I will have to fight my children to take every bite. This way I can make myself, or myself and a couple of friends, a fun lunch without waste. If I think it’s something my family would enjoy, I can easily double… or quadruple… or sextuple… the recipe too. But mostly, I think I LOVE how that the Real Girl’s breakfast recipe for one, Quinoa, Butternut Squash, Kale and Fried Egg, calls for one whole butternut squash and two eggs. I don’t know if that’s a misprint, but that’s my kind breakfast and I think we could be best friends. It also comes with great suggestions and tips (I’ll take everything I can get). Here are a couple gems I eagerly pass along to you: #1 If you are traveling to New York City please note that between 3-5 pm taxi cab drivers are doing a shift change and therefore make it more difficult to hale a cab, so plan carefully. #2 If you leave a wooden spoon across the top of a boiling pot of water, it will not allow the liquid to boil over. So clever!

Recently, my husband encouraged me to go out and take a morning for myself- a rare, but welcomed treat on a weekend where we try to make the most use out of our “family” time. I went to the local café and got a pastry, pain au chocolat, a coffee (from their in-house roaster)… and, ahem, a breakfast sandwich, a toasted english muffin with Gruyère and bacon. Diet fail… but a pampering win. Priceless.

Not very far from the local coffee roaster, is my favorite store in the whole world, Acorn Farms. They don’t know it, yet. They sell kitchen wares, Polish pottery (as seen in there store window display above), cookbooks, oils, etc. They’re fabulous, and I rarely can walk in without bringing something out. They also offer cooking classes (of which I have taken a couple, such as, Julia Child’s Boeuf Bourguignon, Cookie Decorating and Canning Strawberry Jam). One day, I will admit my affection toward them, and make a plea to let me feature them on my blog.

One of my recent purchases from my aforementioned favorite store was this book, Tablescapes. Oh my word, I cannot say enough about this treasure… What a find! Everyone should own it (at least everyone that has an interest in setting a pretty table). I want to show you every picture in the book, except I’m sure that would infringe upon copyrights. Just know this, it’s a goodie. See how inspired I was to set a pretty ‘scape’ around it just to take a picture? Lol!

I’d love to hear about your finds (especially in cookbooks). I’m always looking for inspiration! And of course, feel free to share your fails… the gift that binds us together!

 

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