Loving Lately ?

I know, I know… Once again, I have vanished into the great unknown. This time I have been making my way through a literary universe spanning hundreds of years. I really can’t remember the last time I’ve allotted this much self indulgence. For the first time since my children started attending school, I actually feel like I’m taking a summer break. It’s fantastic.

In the course of the last week alone, I have read (or re-read) A Tale of Two Cities, Loving Frank, Cheaper by the Dozen, and The Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank. I have contacted two universities in a tempting pursuit of a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing. Simultaneously, I have become obsessed with store fronts. (I don’t even understand myself.) I only know that I am on a perpetual trail of self discovery… and I am certain that one day it will all make sense.

Courtesy of Pinterest

I don’t think it is a coincidence that I have a strong attraction to store windows filled with colorful book covers. Like a moth to a flame, I suppose, they are magnetic rectangles of various size and illustration beckoning me with their stories and works unknown. There is something so deeply comforting about bookstores, knowing that everyone is welcome and they behold treasures for people of all ages and interests. Of course, the romantic side of me likes to take it a step further- imagining scenarios and happenings… I mean, can’t you just envision yourself ducking into this store on a cold rainy day to escape the elements and the immediate welcome of relief and inspiration?

Courtesy of Pinterest

Although, I can’t say I’d be disappointed to find my way in this store either.

Courtesy of Instagram @andybailen

For all of the colorful old world charm books and bread have to offer, this girl can also be easily persuaded to enter almost any (seemingly trustworthy) establishment advertising with such words as “pastry” or “cake” or “biscuit”…

Image courtesy of Vogueolosophy

I find the terms “café” and “coffee” just as appealing. (Daydream… sigh… ahhh)

Image courtesy of @sophiemaxiemae

I really don’t even consider myself a cat person, but I could see me being a regular if this store was nearby.

Image courtesy of smallbusiness.chron.com

Naturally, my curiosity would get the best of me with such an artistic appeal as this:

Image courtesy of maddie.co.vu

Basically, if a store front boasts of books… or food… or drink… It has my attention. But, think of all the money I save our family on shoes and clothing!

So many places to see and books to read, so little time…

Until we meet again ❤?☕

Featured image courtesy of nerdtacular

Unplugged (Mostly)

I read a lot of parenting articles. Recently, I read an article that encouraged not letting kids play in dirt, and definitely not to let them get buried in sand. I realize that strange things can happen. I’m not a doctor. The following is unsolicited, unprofessional advice: Let the kids play outside! Common sense says kids need to be in nature (unless severe allergies tell you otherwise). USNews says (regarding electronic devices) “increased screen time is associated with higher rates of childhood obesity, behavior problems, ADHD, poor sleep quality, poor physical activity and poor school performance.” What better way to get kids off of the couch than to take them outside? According to the same article, parents need to lead by example- because our kids are watching. Really, adults need to play outside and unplug too! Your body and mind will thank you.

Lake Superior at Whitefish Point

Over the last couple weeks we were able to escape from the land of wifi. We got lost in a mixed terrain of fresh air and campfire smoke. We dodged mosquitos, got dirty, and caught frogs.

We swung from trees and floated weightlessly in the Tahquamenon River.

Fun fact: The Tahquamenon Falls in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are nicknamed the “Rootbeer Falls” because of the coppery brown color; which is actually due to the tannin from decaying trees, cedar swamps and other organic matter that leach into the river.

Tahquamenon Falls courtesy of my brother-in-law, Ryan.

We also floated down the Two-Hearted River. Since I’m on a fun fact trivia kick… did you know that Ernest Hemenway was inspired by his time spent in Michigan? One of his books is actually named Big Two-Hearted River.

Where the Two-Hearted River meets Lake Superior

But the best thing about this area isn’t the floating, the idyllic rustic campground, or the picture perfect swaying footbridge. It’s all of the rocks. Seriously. Looking for agates and skipping smooth flat stones (trying to anyway) is just good family fun. I’m sure Hemenway would have agreed.

You know what else is good family fun? Scrabble. Ok, the kids aren’t interested. But my sister and I had an epic battle. It lasted for hours. And I will give her this satisfaction: she got a seven letter word on a triple word score. You can make your own assumption about who won.

Equally as impressive is this skillet; which covered the entire stovetop and cooked 5 pounds of bacon at one time.

Since we’re on the topic of food, my five-year-old decorated this cake. That’s my boy! (It was actually granny’s idea, inspired by Pinterest.) A perfect kitchen project for kids: Slice an angel food cake into three layers. Blend a mixture of marshmallow cream and Cool Whip to spread on the layers, top with berries. Let your child feel like a successful pastry chef.

While we’re on the subject of good ideas… I’d like to take a moment to give credit to a couple of dads who made a movie theater in the woods with a projector, a camouflage tarp, a white bed sheet, and some Gorilla Tape.

We ate drippy ice cream cones, and took long walks. We lost our front tooth, well one of us did. And we found out that if you put your tooth under a pillow, even in a cabin in the middle of the woods… money will appear. We visited places off of the beaten path. I took random pictures of things I liked.

We topped the week off with more family and friends on the shore of Lake Michigan. We soaked up as much time in the sun as we could.

My phone was left with a dead battery for days. True story.

Aaah, yes… already looking forward to the next “unplugged.”

The Peter Rabbit Tea Party

Once again, the time came upon us to indulge the children with an afternoon garden party. My mother lives for this type of thing. If you have followed this blog for any length of time, you may remember the Peter Rabbit Tea Party she hosted a few years ago. Looking back at those pictures really got me reminiscing. I can’t believe how much has changed over the years! I’m so thankful my mom and dad take the time to make their grandchildren feel special. Actually, it makes us all feel special. I honestly feel like, for a moment, we are transported back in time to something very nostalgic and meaningful. Simultaneously, I am capturing the present moment; my pre-teen son not wanting to smile for the camera, and my baby’s bandage from a very fresh wound… Oh, it all goes by in a blink. I urge you: take the time to make special memories. Children really are our greatest investment! Okay, okay I’ll stop before I get emotional. On to the party!

Upon arrival, Peter Rabbit himself greeted us and led us toward the party…

Along with Jemima Puddle-Duck (and her basket of eggs; i.e., sidewalk chalk so the kids could jump right into play.)

As well as, other various characters from Beatrix Potter’s classic stories…

And just like that, the mood was set for surprise and delightful anticipation of what lies ahead. Naturally, one would want to dress for such an occasion. Therefore, the ladies and gents alike were given opportunity to adorn themselves before attending the luncheon.

The table was arranged with finger sandwiches and tea cups; which were in reality filled with chocolate milk and juice- since our kids don’t actually prefer tea. There were chocolates, and Peter Rabbit themed party “crackers” filled with prizes. (Hence the crowns…) And, if you know my middle son, you know why it makes complete sense that he was the first child sitting at the table.

Baskets were hung at every seat, which were to be used for an egg hunt. Each child had to find an individual egg brimming with candy and other hard-boiled eggs to be used later for an egg toss.

There was also a fresh fruit option, that I’m not sure any kid tried.

Lemon bunny cake for dessert. (How cute are the carrot forks!)

I think they enjoyed themselves.

It’s a party dah-ling, “too many accessories” does not apply.

Rascals? Nah.

The attention to detail was noticeable everywhere.

Inside, the adults didn’t fare too badly either.

Enough eating… Let the games begin! (And maybe a little butterfly catching if time permits.)

The hunt is on.

When all of the eggs had been found it was time for a little relaxation… and a photo op!

Then the egg toss. This is serious…

But not like “set down your lipgloss” or “use your dominant hand” serious.

However, there were prizes at stake. So the bigger kids had to take a few steps back.

Prize time! Everyone got a little something… But, can someone please tell me how she won?

Next, we were off to the races!

We’re ready.

Nope. Now we’re ready.

Wait a minute. Get back to start, you little cheater.

Ok. Now we’re really ready.

Some people just can’t handle the thought of losing.

And some people have to stop mid-race to get a drink… She wins again!

Next up…

On your mark, get set…

Go!

And the girls win it again!

That was hard work. I think we deserve some cake. Time to spread out our blankets and listen to tales of Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, and Mrs. Puddle-Duck. Not a bad way to end the day.

Actually, the day ended with more food, watching the Peter Rabbit movie and a sleepover.

Thanks for the memories Granny and Gramps. You’re the best.

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Where Does the Time Go?

I was sitting in the corner of the orthodontist’s office this morning while my oldest son received his braces. The orthodontic assistant was kindly making small talk, asking my son what he did over the weekend. “Nothing,” he said in that awkward moment of being polite while his mouth was full of metal dental tools, “just stayed home.”

“Just stayed home?” I thought to myself- trying to remember what we did. Honestly, it feels like we’ve been going non-stop. “What did we do this weekend?” I questioned myself. For a moment I was completely blank. Oh! We worked on the beach yesterday. I weeded for hours, trimmed trees along our path, and we finally burned that stump… I guess we did ‘stay home’ yesterday… but what did we do Saturday? Oh right! It was my daughter’s first ballet recital- I was scrambling all morning with preparation: tights and costume ready; hung upside down for more poof; hair sprayed stiff in a left part/low bun. I also had volunteered to be stage mom without a clue of what I was doing… Then we took her out for ice cream, before we went back to our house to meet up with more family to celebrate my father-in-laws 72nd birthday with pizza and cake. But I knew there was more we had done… Oh yeah, we had a mural (which we had acquired upon purchase of our home- although interesting, not my taste), sanded, skimmed and painted on Friday. I weeded the whole front yard while he was working, mopped the kitchen and living room floor, did several loads of laundry and washed dishes… After he left I picked up the kids from my sister’s house. They had stayed the night because the day before, my mother had thrown them a “Peter Rabbit” inspired garden party. It’s all coming back to me. That’s why I had so many dishes to wash, I had made food for the adults at the party, Magnolia Table’s Curry Chicken Salad and Lemon Bars, Pioneer Woman’s Pretty Fruit Salad and a lemon cake for the children in rabbit molded cake pan. That night my husband, friends, and I played in our co-ed volleyball league. I remember worrying about my son’s teeth because just the day before, Wednesday, he had his spacers put in to prepare for the braces; that was the same day of my daughter’s ballet rehearsal (where “stage moms” weren’t allowed in backstage). My husband had to meet us at the rehearsal to take the boys home because the traffic during his commute was awful. It was chaos- like the night before when we had invited my in-laws over for dinner. Dinner was easy- I highly recommend the slow cooker Korean Beef Tacos from Skinnytaste. I had marinated the ingredients Monday evening and thrown everything in the cooker in the morning, before I took the kids to Costco to load up on our paper goods supplies. But, I had double-booked myself that evening and felt terrible leaving my family, because I had arranged to show our rental house to some friends that are looking to buy a home… Monday I grocery shopped… Sunday was Father’s Day… Saturday was Incredibles II… Friday we kicked off the beginning of summer break with a pool party at my sister’s -and a trip to ER because my youngest son jumped into the pool and crashed heads with my oldest…

And then it occurred to me, in the chair in the corner of that orthodontist office, that this might be the first time I sat down in over a week… Time goes…

Photos of the Summer Kickoff:

And the trip to ER:

Magnolia Table’s Chicken Curry Salad (because I love taking pictures of food).

A glimpse of the yard I weed (my part time job) and you can just catch a view of the pond area at the bottom- it’s a weedy beast. And beach we work on regularly. (Two words: goose poop).

My ballerina after the Performance:

Peter Rabbit Party Pics to come! (When I have more time.) 😉

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Loving Lately

The hot dog is an American classic.

Hot dogs are synonymous with BBQ’s, baseball games and basically all things summer. It’s made of pork, beef, chicken, turkey or combinations thereof, and a bun (and nobody wants to get more specific with ingredients than that.) Moreover, they are tasty, salty, meaty carriers of creative toppings. Hot dogs can be grilled, boiled, baked or even microwaved (I actually know people who prefer them this way, I don’t judge), and for my low-carb friends- just omit the bun. (Once it’s smothered with chili and onions, you won’t even miss the bread!)

If you are looking for some new ways to dress your dog, look no further! Williams-Sonoma just made hot dogs ideas the front cover of their current catalog. And since I’ve never been disappointed with my WS recipes, I gladly pass along their blog link: Five Chef-Approved Ways to Top a Hot Dog.

Courtesy of Williams-Sonoma.com

Oddly enough, when I was a child I didn’t like hot dogs. But as an adult, I figured it out. It’s all about finding the right hot dog for you. Personally, I like Hebrew National- all beef; no if’s, and’s or butt’s. It just works for me. In one of my Barefoot Contessa cookbooks, she talks about Martha Stewart’s philosophy of “best in class.” Whatever the ingredient, try to get the best- the one you like the most. So, if you’ve been unhappy with your selection, here are some suggestions of The Best Supermarket Hot Dog Brand You Can Buy according to BonAppetit.com.

Courtesy of BonAppetit.com

I love experimenting with flavors. Why not? Chicago Style, New York, Pizza Dog, the Hawaiian Hot Dog Recipe pictured below… If you can’t have fun playing up a hot dog, then what can you have fun with? Ponder that.

Courtesy of CookingChannel.com

Of course, there’s no shame in keeping it simple. Ketchup. Just mustard? Really, hot dogs are about gathering and having fun. So, call your friends and fire up the grill! Sun’s out ‘hot dog’ buns out!

Featured Image is the Grilled Link Hotdog with Homemade Pickle Relish from Foodnetwork.com

Loving Lately

It’d be nice to say that I’m enjoying a bounty, spread out atop a blanket with a gentle breeze on a sunny day. I love a good picnic. I’m feeling it. I’m not actually doing it. But I’m feeling it. And if I wanted to get really specific, it would be a medium thickness blanket, because you know how those thin sheet-like blankets get moved and windblown and a mess when you sit or they’re stepped on; but nothing a thick like a sleeping bag, because that’s ridiculous. And it would be a mostly sunny/partly cloudy day, because a little reprieve from the open sun is really luxurious. The breeze would be gentle, obviously, because no one really wants to eat in stagnant heat- and being sweaty just sounds like the opposite of ideal, but too much wind isn’t right either. However, a playful gust really is fun… just enough to blow off my perfect sunhat and give a small chase. If you’re at the beach- you don’t want enough wind to blow sand (because we all know chewing grit is miserable, and this is perfection), just enough to keep us the optimal amount of comfortable. Oh, and the bounty… hmmm… what is the indefectable menu? Well it would definitely include bread, and cheese, and meat… I suppose that sounds like the makings of a sandwich, but I really enjoy them individually too… fresh fruit… coffee or iced tea?… wine… DESSERTS! Pie or cake or both? Ahhhh, decisions, decisions…

I’ve got to say this one looks a little like a work/picnic merger. We’re going to get crafty… but that’s okay, because if you supply the food and drinks and the aforementioned weather, I can let my creativity fly.

Courtesy of TermiNatetorKitchen.com

A backyard picnic really is an awesome option. I mean, you have all the comforts of home steps away. Restrooms? We got ’em. Prefer to take a nap in your bed over the lawn? Well, walk right in. But still want the getaway feel, and to break out of the everyday monotony? Pack it up and put it in a basket, kids we’re going outside.

Courtesy of SugarandCharm.com

Not that I’m against an excursion. Let’s say you’re all like “Sadie, I got us all inclusive tickets for a Safari Picnic package!” I’ve never done it, so I really don’t know… but I can’t see me turning it down.

Courtesy of Pinterest

How about an evening of just watching the waves roll in? Uh, sh-yeah! You don’t have to ask me twice. I don’t know how difficult it’s going to be to get out there… but clearly you’ve got everything I need- if I can do it. So, let’s give it a go.

Courtesy of Daydreamsandsundresses.com

Of course, if we we’re not up to the rock climbing challenge, we could go with the sandy shore. (All above perfect weather suggestions applied.) And can I just say that I actually lol’d when I saw the donut? It’s the focus of the picture. (I’m easily amused.) But really, who doesn’t like a donut? Winner-winner picnic dinner.

Courtesy of Pinterest

Continuing with our seaside theme, this next one looks incredible. Oh sure, the food might blow off of your fork (leave the sunhat in the car), but I think we’ll find it’s worth it. (BTW I love how they have the flowers wedged under the palate. It’s all the essence of fresh and floral staying put- Ingenuity at its finest.)

Courtesy of Pinterest

So, be it by bike,

Courtesy of theglitterguide.com

Or boat…

Courtesy of Pinterest

Let’s gather all good things,

Courtesy of Ana Rosa

And picnic.

Courtesy of carlaaston.com

Featured Image Courtesy of stylemepretty.com

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Mississippi Wedding

The first time I met my husband’s family, well, it was a little bit like going to the circus- entertaining to say the least, and I never knew what to expect next. It was a family reunion at his aunt’s house in Northern Michigan. His deceased mother was the oldest of nine children- and he hadn’t seen most of his family, while he’d been away at college, since the funeral. Many of them, including his grandmother met us on the front lawn. There were tears… long hugs… and a lot of laughs… all within the first 5 minutes. Owen and I had recently gotten engaged, so to make us feel welcome fit right in stand out like a sore thumb, they had hats prepared for us to wear with “Groom-To-Be” and “Bride-To-Be”, respectively. As the night went on, there were more many more tears, hugs and laughs; enough food to feed an army; and never a dull moment on any square inch of any of that acreage. And that really is the family in a nutshell. They are passionate, hardworking, and FUN-loving people… and it took about 2 seconds to see where my husband got his personality.

One of the little family members I met that day was my husband’s cousin Chris, a sweet and lighthearted boy with a great head of curly hair and contagious laugh. Somehow he has managed to stay just the same… only a little older.

It’s hard to believe that Chris was about my oldest son’s age when he attended my wedding (insert sigh and moment to reminisce)… but, now he is all grown up. And as good fortune would have it, he has made his perfect match… Which brought us to the deep south for a Mississippi Wedding!

Then venue for the big day was at Plein Air Chapel and Mill in Taylor, Mississippi just outside of Oxford. It was picturesque; quaint, intimate, and rustically elegant.

(Naturally, never being in Mississippi before, I had a blast playing up the southern gentlemen and southern belle.)

I mean, really… there wasn’t one bad angle on the whole grounds.

Mother of the Groom, Aunt Barb- beautiful inside and out, waiting in the on-site restaurant for the ceremony to begin:

Father of the Groom, Uncle Al, doing the same… and partaking in a little A/C (since it was something like 92° in the shade):

Aunt Rochelle, looking lovely while braving the elements and not even breaking a sweat:

I wish I would have gotten more pictures outside of the chapel to show you. It really is idyllic. However, I did manage to snap a few inside during the ceremony…

Mother and Father of the Groom walking down the aisle to light the Unity Candle:

The Mother-of-the-Bride was stunning. And before I knew who she was, I saw her sitting on the front porch of the chapel looking all the part of a calm, cool and collected Southern Lady while the Father-of-the-Bride was waiting with his daughter. I really wish I had asked to take her picture (the grumblings of a non-related, not-hired-to-be-the-photograper, introvert). Anyway, this picture does not do her justice, but you get an idea:

The wedding party was gorgeous and the bouquets were so pretty! Here’s a glimpse:

And look at these sweet little showstoppers!:

And the moment we’ve all been waiting for…

Can’t you just see that sparkle in her eye? You should have seen how cute she was on the dance floor! (And can you say wedding veil? Love it. )

The ceremony was just precious, so heartfelt… (I’m such a sucker for vows of devotion.)

Caught the mom moment:

And the new Mr. & Mrs!

Time to go celebrate:

And what would a reception (or Sadie’s Nest) be without the food? Time for a little Southern Comfort… 😉 The menu included fun finger foods like BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders, White BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, Fried Green Tomato BLT’s (Yassss! If you didn’t know, now you know.), Shrimp, Stuffed Mushrooms, Grilled Asparagus, etc., Caesar Salad, and delicious dips, such as Cheesy Artichoke, Salsa, and Buffalo Chicken Dip with mounds of Tortilla and Pita Chips…

For the kids, young and old, who like to start with dessert first…

Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar? (I found him.)

Can you blame him?

Of course when it comes to dessert at a wedding, you have to have the main event… I love how simply beautiful this is:

The centerpieces were gorgeous too.

I think it’s safe to say, the relaxed atmosphere (in no small part due to Sydney and Chris) was enjoyed by all.

And the kids had a blast running around outside. Isn’t there just something so sweetly nostalgic about that?

Barefoot and all…

Although I have to say, hands down, my favorite thing about going to a wedding is the priceless moments spent with friends and family.

Welcome to the family Sydney!

A special thank you to Sarah Rousseau, who took this shot with my camera so I could be in it. 🙂

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Loving Lately

During my home office Pinterest travels, I recently stumbled upon a French blogger named Mimi Thorisson. She has an incredible blog of food, fashion, and home design called Manger. Naturally, she has been featured in publications such as, Vogue, Bon Appetit and The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), -to name a few, because she is fabulous. Of course, I love great food… France… and I’m often drawn to the sophisticated and timeless pics of French Country decor… Why I haven’t run across Mimi before, I don’t really know. But dwelling on that is a waste of time… time that I could be reading her inspiring blog. All that matters is that I have found her now. That, and also, that I share her with you (just in case you haven’t already been following her for years.)

courtesy of vogue.com

Mimi and her husband, Oddur (also her extremely talented photographer), moved to a farm in Médoc, France years ago. They offer wine tasting tours and workshops; where you can learn to cook in that amazing kitchen, eat her food and drink champagne during afternoon breaks for around 2,000 euro. (Consider that added to my bucket list.)

Courtesy of mimithorisson.com

She has also published cookbooks… in English. (Consider them ordered.)

Courtesy of mimithorisson.com

She wears a leather apron… Are you kidding me? She rocks it. There are blacksmiths, and the steadily fashionionable food blogger: Mimi Thorisson.

Courtesy of vogue.com

Yes, she is beautiful, stylish, and living the French countryside dream… but Mimi Thorisson is also highly regarded for her cuisine. Look at this Bouchée à la Reine… “French puff pastry filled with chicken, morel mushrooms, onions, white wine and a thyme scented Bechamel sauce.” I’m smitten.

Courtesy of mimithorisson.com

And apparently she knows a thing or two about throwing casual and elaborate gatherings. Ahhh, just a relaxed outdoor meal -outside of her French chateau.

Courtesy of Instagram @oddthor

But if that’s not enough to convince you… there is always the flower arranging, beloved caregiver of dogs photograph…

Courtesy of bonappetit.com

Although she had me at this:

Courtesy of vogue.com

Loving Lately is an easy one this week! Hope you enjoy getting to know Mimi Thorisson as much as I am. 😉

Featured Image Courtesy of vogue.com

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Magnolia Table

What can I say, except that Joanna Gaines is perfect? I don’t know if you’ve read my “about” page, but she has pretty much checked off my dream list at the ripe ol’ age of 40. Farm, Bed & Breakfast (two of them), café, … check, check, check… Oh, plus a home goods store, furniture and home decor line, successful TV show, magazine, restaurant, garden, great hair, slim figure, fabulous kitchen floor tile… Not bad. And now, with baby no. five in tow, she has published her first cookbook: Magnolia Table, A Collection of Recipes for Gathering. I love it. I knew I would. Doggone it, if she just isn’t the most practical down-to-earth humble and fantastic home cook! Joanna Gaines understands that it’s not about perfection, it’s a more of “a celebration of bringing people together.” Getting into the kitchen, slowing down and making something to nourish her family is a way for her to unwind. I can relate to that.

There is no pretense in Magnolia Table. Joanna Gaines doesn’t claim to be a chef. She is just a mom… wife… daughter… with a love of tradition, meals with her family and making memories with loved ones at a table, counter top, or in the garden with good food. She states “…things within these pages might look like contradictions… I often buy organic meat… but I consider store-bought refrigerated dough and boxed broth to be gifts…” Ditto. Her cookbook gives easy to follow recipes for JoJo’s Biscuits and Perfect Roast Chicken, but she admits she is all for substituting with store-bought rotisserie chicken and ready-made canned biscuits. After all, every busy person knows that short cuts are an absolute when you’re trying to do it all! If time and planning permits, sure- make it from scratch. But when you want the home cooked results and just don’t have enough hours in the day… There is no shame in the pre-made game. Joanna isn’t too proud to admit things such as using frozen shredded potatoes in Jo’s Fatayar. And to be honest, that makes the recipe more approachable for me. To quote Nancy Fuller, “fresh is best, unless you’re stressed.” (And with four kids ages 12 and under, I’m like always stressed.)

Of course, her pictures are amazing. Not like over-stated, melted cheese nailed to a board and stretching pictures, but simple, rustic, and delicious looking images of food that you want to eat. Nothing seems short on flavor, including and ranging in influences from her Korean background (Mom’s Bulgogi) and her local Tex-Mex (Party Queso). And the book is sectioned into categories the way I cook- Breakfast, Soups & Salads (possibly my favorite chapter?), Appetizers & Starters, Side Dishes, Dinner, etc. She covers all of the basics; pie crust, mashed potatoes, chocolate chip cookies, chicken pot pie. But, includes her spin on family favorites like Gaines Brother Burgers with Drip Jam, King Ranch Chicken with Mexican-Style Jicama Salad, and Beef Tenderloin with Pickled Jalapeño Sour Cream. Joanna shares the same notion of never wanting the dome-lidded cake plate on my kitchen island to be empty. So, she offers plenty of recipes for easily grab-able goodies like Orange Scones, Cinnamon Swirl and Walnut Quick Bread, and Lemon & Lavender Ice Box Cookies. And then she totally melts your heart with a copy of a hand-typed Syrian Donut recipe she made with her grandfather as a child. She has a grip on practical family foods like casseroles and crock pot recipes… Hello? Eggs Benedict Casserole! (A recipe I nabbed from the winter edition of her magazine too, because Eggs Benedict for the whole family at one time is genius.) And she completely surprised me with some new recipes I’ve never tried… Baked Chicken with Bacon Bottom & Wild Rice. Am I the only one who has never lined the bottom of a 13×9 baking dish with a layer of bacon and rice? Side note: It is also very likely that I will once again buy Velveeta. Because, let’s just admit the truth: it’s a delicious food product… and so creamy! And since Ree Drummond and Joanna Gaines have found place for it, who am I to hold back?

Needless to say, I’m a fan. (And I’m going to start twirling my baked Chicken Spaghetti into little nests, because it is adorable.)

 

Loving Lately

Have I ever mentioned that I LOVE jazz? I do. I always have. I just get it.

For a period of time, my mother worked as a secretary for a landscaping firm. It was owned by two business partners, both were kind and intelligent men; one of them, an architect and savvy engineer, was particularly generous and warm. He and his wife, a school counselor with her Master’s degree, blossomed a great friendship with my parents and they often hung out together outside of the professional realm. On Friday nights, the whole (small) office team and a few friends would go out after work. And every Friday night they would talk about going to breakfast at Brennan’s in New Orleans- where they would enjoy a five course meal including eye-openers served by waiters in tuxedos. However, there was always someone that for whatever reason couldn’t do it so, they would just scrap the idea, until the following week. On a particular Friday in February of 1977, the subject came up and went around the table as usual, except this time everyone said they could go. For a second they all looked around at each other kind of stunned, wondering if they were really going to do it… Six out of the eight said they would. So, one of them quickly booked the red-eye and off they went- home to pack in a rush and meet back up at the airport. Once on the plane, they realized that not a one of them had any major cash to pool (banks weren’t open on weekends and ATM’s weren’t a thing), until my mom looked in her purse and realized she hadn’t made the bank deposit that day, giving them a few hundred in petty cash. They were all such a jovial group, that I can just feel the joy and almost hear the laughter when my mom tells the story how it all just worked out. I love it when she describes her craving for the fried oysters that she could smell from the open bars as they walked around the city… The jazz music they took in at the Preservation Hall… And the snowflakes that dusted New Orleans in a record-breaking cold winter. Of course, they were all dressed in their Michigan clothes, so that didn’t bother them either. Unexpectedly, Brennan’s was full with a convention, but they were assured that Court of Two Sisters would be a comparable breakfast- and it did not disappoint. Drinks were bloody Mary’s, mimosas, or screw drivers, etc., and they feasted on fresh baked breads, coffee, an appetizer of baked apple with cream, an entrée of Eggs Benedict and ended the breakfast with Bananas Foster flambé…

I love that story- of close friends flying out on whim to eat breakfast in New Orleans. And I take a little pride in knowing that I was there too… albeit in my mother’s womb. (Obviously, that is where I inherently fell in love with jazz… and possibly food.)

That same man and his wife, not able to have children of their own, would ask my parents if they could be godparents to me and later my sister. And through the years they were very good to my sister and me. They would take us to the theatre at The Fox, the Fisher, The Gem, and to see the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. I was enamored with their Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home, their art collection, and the Shirley Temples my godfather would serve me with my very own cocktail napkin. I’d listen to their stories, their records, and imagine them dancing the Jitterbug. I can safely credit them with my love of the arts (and so much more).

My godfather passed away before I graduated from high school, but my godmother passed away very recently. As an homage, my sister and I were given several pieces of their art collection and I now lovingly own much of their record collection…

So, please excuse my absence… as I reflect on their memory and love of life, listen to great music and tell their story to my children. …And who knows, maybe I’ll even fit in an impromptu flight to New Orleans. 😉