If a picture is worth a thousand words; this is the my definition of mommy blogging. Something’s got to give in order to make it happen.
Have a good weekend! (I’ll just be over here cleaning up…)
Blogger
Coffee House Chat
My friend Roberta does these lovely little blog chats as if you were besties, sitting across from each other at your favorite coffee house with your drink of choice. I love these little posts, they’re so personal and friendly. So being that I haven’t really gotten creative in the kitchen or with my camera lately, I thought I’d give it a try. On any other given day I’d probably just order a small dark roast, but on such occasion with time to indulge I think I would order a mocha (that is to say chocolate in flavor- not regionally specific coffee beans) but of course with skim, because obviously calories matter. You probably noticed that I limped over to the table with a cane, trying to balance the purse on my shoulder and carry a coffee without trying to draw more attention to myself by spilling it. I still haven’t gotten the knack of making it all look smooth and seamless. You see, I still have a rather large lump on the left side of my backside from my recent fall down the stairs. It is rather obvious, so I’d probably try to crack a joke. Maybe ask to find a table for three? You, me and my hematoma. When we would go to sit at our café table I should probably squirm a little on the wooden chair. Ugh. Naturally, I wouldn’t want to bore you with the details of the fall, I’d want to know what was new with you! And you would be so gracious, I’m sure, going along like nothing was out of the ordinary. You would talk about life and the weather… how warm it’s been and how you’ve been spending the summer.
In turn, I’d tell you how great the summer started off, camping in our new travel trailer and visiting my parent’s cabin in Michigan’s upper peninsula. I’d probably complain about how I have no good pictures to prove any of it. I might share with you the exciting news that we purchased a vacation home off of Lake Michigan, but cry to you about not being able to spend any time there -since all I do is try and mend my aching bum. You would assure me that there is plenty of time for that ahead. And I would agree with you that I know you’re right… as I wince from the annoying pain from this darn bump that keeps pushing on my nerve endings. Then I would probably tell you about the frustration of finding the right pain medicine. You would already know, because you know me so well, that I hate relying on medicine (and perpetuating the industry) and loathe taking Tylenol let alone anything stronger. And I would express to you my joy that most days I can get through with Motrin, and my optimism about the night soon-to-come that I can sleep in comfort. I’d probably be disappointed in myself that the conversation turned again towards my inconvenient situation, so I’d ask you if you’ve tried any new recipes lately.
You would be thrilled to tell me about a new method you used to cook a recent meal, because you know how enthusiastic I get about food. I’d ask you to tell me every detail. We’d get lost in conversation for a few minutes, and it would be so nice to be distracted from my pain, not to mention to get away from the political discussions that are saturating all media. Next I’d ask you about your family. You would let me know what they have been up to and how they are all doing. I’d have to tell you how guilty I feel that my family has dedicated their entire summer to helping me… And I would realize that no matter how hard I tried my conversation always came back to my injury. I confess I am not good company, but I appreciate that you visit with me anyway. <3
Gone Camping
It’s happened. I have checked out. You know how various people place those “Gone Fishing” signs on their door? It’s like that. I kind of wish I was a fisherwoman and could escape to my favorite fishing hole, just a walk away from work. Well, not really- because I travel with a lot of kids. But equally as enticing (for me at this moment), is camping.
We are exploring. We are unplugged.
We are watching the sunsets in swing sets.
And making ice cream mustaches (or goatees).
So don’t come looking for me for a while, because I’m out.
But I’ll be back. 😉
Loving Lately ❤
Loving Lately: Blogger Love
This is my last Loving Lately post of the year. And as this year is coming to an end I’m sure we are all reflecting on a number of things. In life I have so much to be thankful for and I feel truly blessed. It’s really no different as it pertains to my blog. I started this journey as an outlet, a way to express myself, maintain a level of sanity (to be overly dramatic), and fill a need for a level of communication I seemed to be lacking in my every day existence as a stay-at-home mom. I really had no expectations, just a strong desire that something I might have to say would resonate with someone else and even better- that I could actually make a positive contribution by sharing something useful. What I have received is beyond expectation. I was surprised to find out that this endless void of world-wide-web, where my typed-out thoughts seem like drops in the pond, in reality -or in my experience- turned out to be a tight-knit community of support and appreciation. I’ve gotten to know some really great people! What I could not have anticipated was the feeling I’d get when someone replied that they enjoyed my recipe or how something I said reminded them of an experience in their own life- even half way across the globe. Heart-warming to say the least.
I want to thank Parul Singhal of Gharkepakwan Healthy and Nutritious Vegetarian Recipies who recently nominated me for a Versatile Blogger Award! I am honored by your kindness! I am in awe of your vast knowledge of one of my favorite cuisines, Indian food!
In participation, here are seven random facts about myself:
- I am a pretty big Audrey Hepburn fan
- I can tolerate but do not love cloves
- I am a philatelist
- I sing at home a lot. I’m a singer. My kids love it. They say things like “Mom, I can’t hear the TV!”
- I love the smell of waffle cones, and am always disappointed that they do not live up to their hype
- I have yet to use my wedding china for more than display (look out 2016 baby!)
- Sometimes I prefer my pasta cold
Thank you so much to Amaya from Life of an El Paso Woman for your nomination of the Liebster Award. I appreciate so much your diversity in what you share while maintaining such an engaging and personal connection.
To answer your questions…
•What’s your favorite holiday? It has to be Christmas. I’m sappy with all of the hubbub.
•What is your favorite thing to cook or bake? I know it’s vague, but anything my family enjoys. Kids can be so picky, it’s such an accomplishment when they actually eat my food.
•What’s the best thing about the city where you live? Relatives. Oddly we don’t see each other often, but I live within a mile of like 5 uncles, 4 aunts, a great-aunt and numerous cousins. In fact, one uncle is my next-door neighbor.
•What are some of your favorite movies? I’m one of those romantic comedy nuts. I love Pride and Prejudice, While You Were Sleeping, You’ve Got Mail, Something’s Gotta Give…
• What was one of the hardest thing you’ve ever done in life so far? Motherhood.
•Who are you the closest with in your family? I’m blessed to have a very close family. I’m close to my dad, mom and my sister… But I’d have to say my husband. He sees it all, “the good, the bad and the ugly” (of course so do my dad, mom and sister, lol).
•Why did you start blogging? It was a desire for pretense of professionalism
•Is the glass half empty or half full? Oh, it’s very full 🙂
•Are you a Star Wars fan? Yes. But not like a crazy fan.
•What was your favorite toy growing up? Barbie!
Another thank you to Practical By Default for another Liebster Award nomination! I’m just now starting to get to know you, and I see we have a lot in common!
Your Questions for me…
•What language would you love to learn? I’ve studied a few, and there’s so much I don’t know! Maybe Portuguese or Gaelic?
•Would you prefer to read, watch or be told how to do something? At this point, I think I would appreciate more time to read.
•What’s your favorite hobby? Besides blogging, I recently got a metal detector… I’m a nerd.
•What’s your dream job? A mommy blogger. I’m living the dream, lol.
•Dog or cat? Neither, my mother is allergic and couldn’t visit if I chose either. But when pressed, a dog.
•The name of the teacher that influenced you the most? …Can I say two? Mrs. Urbani and Madame Rowley
•Book or Movie? Movie… maybe
•Why did you start blogging? For mental health
•Cook or bake or eat? Eat, let’s be honest
•What are you is your best “I did it!” moment? I’ve had four; Isaiah, Naomi, Elijah and Noah
•Blogging what do you love/hate doing? I love taking pictures, typing on my laptop and drinking coffee. I pretend I’m in a magazine publication office.
In lieu of nominees I would like to do more like honorable mentions. My all-time favorites and friends of 2015, you’ve made blogging a pleasure. In alphabetical (by blog) order:
Roberta of Chorizo & Thyme
Anna Life Bellissima
Lynn of Lynz Real Cooking
Katie of Quirky and Wonderful
Jasmine of The Richmond Avenue
Bec of What’s Bec Cooking
Happy New Year!!!
Charlotte’s Simply Delicious
The current issue of Simple & Delicious is loaded with fabulous recipes from Pesto stuffed Chicken to Apple-Almond Muffins and Wheat Berry Salad. The magazine has mouth-watering desserts and easy 5 ingredient fixes for the Christmas holiday to save your shopping time for ‘merrier’ things. It also happens to contain the latest publication of my cousin Charlotte!
Charlotte is an accomplished novelist and has a series of imaginative books in the works, starting with the published The Elemental Rise of Shade. And although she has the cool artsy life of pouring herself into her writing, she doesn’t spend all of her time in front of her typewriter. (Okay she uses a computer, but somehow the typewriter sounds more romantic, am I right?) Anyway, she also happens to be a solid recipe developer and has had several published recipes. Most recently in the December/January 2016 issue of Taste of Home’s Simple & Delicious. (On stands now!)
If you turn to page 67 of the magazine you will find a cute picture of Charlotte herself and a delicious Spinach-Basil Lasagna, a healthy version of an Italian classic full of flavors like feta and Parmesan and good for you baby spinach. As if that wasn’t outstanding enough it is also health conscious with only 229 calories per serving. (Which also happens to be 1/9th of a 13×9 inch pan, so a good size serving!)
For years Charlotte has made many tasty recipes including (but not limited to) a baked potato pizza and pepperoni pasta salad that have been printed in books and periodicals. Lucky for you, I have access to her culinary genius and will be posting some of her recipes in the future! In the meantime you can check out her developments yourself; I found my mini-magazine near the check-out of my local grocery store.
Happy Birthday Charlotte!
Award Smorgasbord!
I have recently been awarded three nominations! Thank you so much to My Heart of Mexico and Healthy in All Hues for nominating me for the Starlight Blogger Award and Life Bellissima for nominating me for the Infinity Dreams Award. I am so honored by your support. You all have such unique and inspiring blogs, and I am grateful for your recognition!
Now here’s a lot of information about me.
The Starlight Blogger Award
These are the rules:
1. Thank the giver and link their blog to your post.
2. Answer the 3 original questions then the 3 new questions from your nominator given to you.
3. Pass the award on to 6 or more other bloggers of your choice and let them know that they have been nominated by you and add 3 new questions for your nominees.
4. Include the logo of the award in a post or on your blog, please never alter the logo, never change the 3 original questions and never change the Award rules.
Please don’t delete this note: the design for the STARLIGHT Bloggers Award has been created from YesterdayAfter. It is a Copyright image. You cannot alter or change it in any way, just pass it to others that deserve this award.
Copyright 2015 YesterdayAfter.com – Design by Carolina Russo
These are the three original questions:
1 If you could describe or picture your inner soul how will you describe it?
Wow, that’s deep. I hope it is bright and pure, and because I am redeemed, it is spotless.
2 What are you working on right now?
Literally, this post. But as for my blog in general I am excited about my first giveaway!
3 What is your creative dream project?
Hmmm. Blogging about my farm life with a roadside cafe!
My questions from My Heart of Mexico:
1 What is your biggest challenge when it comes to blogging?
•I have so many ideas I’d like to make happen, but in reality I have a baby who needs me, a toddler who needs me, and home preschooler who needs me, a fourth grader who needs me, a husband who needs me… And I’d like to be a better photographer.
2 What advice would you give to newbie bloggers?
•I would say if you do this for fun, then you won’t be disappointed. If it stops being fun, don’t do it; life is too short!
3 What motivates you to keep blogging?
•I have this self determination thing that keeps me on my toes. I really want to do better, and share good information.
My questions from Healthy in All Hues
Here my questions for the nominees:
1 What advice would you give for people new to blogging?
•Again, I think it’s important to remember your goals. What do you want to share? What do you want people to know? Don’t worry about what other people are doing. Enjoy what you are doing.
2 What is one creative project you are working on?
•I am really excited about a giveaway I am working on! But trying to get down the logistics, a fair selection process, etc. has taken some thought.
3 What is one goal you want to achieve by the end of the year?
•I’d like to take a writing and a photography class.
Thank you My Heart of Mexico and Healthy in All Hues!
Rules for the Infinity Dreams Award
1 Thank the blogger who nominated you and link back.
2 Post the award badge and rules.
3 Tell 11 facts about yourself.
4 Answer the question that were set for you to answer.
5 Nominate 11 other bloggers and set questions for them.
Eleven facts about myself:
- I am thrilled that Barefoot Contessa’s Back to Basics series is on Netflix.
- Growing up, my back yard was the Great Lake Erie.
- I have over 150 cookbooks and counting.
- My favorite color is yellow, it’s so cheerful.
- I can knit a scarf, but don’t ask me to change colors.
- I started as a baker, but learned to love cooking since I couldn’t feed my family cookies and quick breads (in good conscience) for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- I majored in French.
- God is amazing, but outer space kind of freaks me out.
- Blogging has put a damper on my laundry. There’s a damper on my hamper. (Oh yes I did)
- I can (obviously) be a total goofball.
- I want to try glass blowing.
My questions from Life Bellissima:
1. What inspired you to start a blog?
•My overwhelming desire to maintain adult communication.
2. A new recipe you would like to make that you’ve never tried before?
•Recently a friend of mine shared a curry shrimp recipe from Pinterest that I am excited to try!
3. Favorite travel destination(s)?
•You know, I am a huge fan of the state of Michigan, so it’s lucky for me that I live here.
4. A great weekend would include …?
•Coffee. Breakfast out with my kids and husband, then a babysitter. A nap. Trying a new recipe in a quiet kitchen. Time to shower and blow dry my hair. Dinner out with my husband, then pick up the kids. Movie night with popcorn! A good night’s sleep, and exploring a new town/park etc after church with the fam. I mean that’s not too much to ask for right? Sounds pretty great to me!
5. Favorite meal to cook for family and friends?
•Anything as long as I’m with my family and friends!
6. A favorite movie or book?
•Pride & Prejudice, Little Women…
7. Something you enjoy about each season?
•I’m blessed live in an area that really experiences each season to its fullest. I love a snowy white Christmas, snowmen, and hot chocolate in winter. I’m always happy to smell the warmth of spring when the frost starts to melt and the buds and flowers start to bloom. I love swimming, traveling, camping, bonfires, s’mores and cookouts to name a few in summer. And this time of year, autumn, is beautiful with all of the color changes; crisp and exciting. I really enjoy baking and cooking and the coziness of the kitchen.
8. If you had free airline tickets, where would you travel?
•New Zealand!
9. Name a favorite dessert. (I know it’s hard to pick only one!)
•I really enjoy a good chocolate layered cake.
10. Favorite cooking/baking gadget?
•I get a lot of use out of my whisks…
Thank you Life Bellissima!
Cheater alert! Since I have recently nominated every blog I love… I reserve the right to nominate deserving blogs in the future!
The Versatile Blogger Award
I am very thankful to be nominated by PetersFoodAdventures for my first Versatile Blogger Award! Peter has an amazing blog with as ethnically diverse recipes as Peter himself. He was born to Russian parents (who were born and raised in China). He was raised in Canada where he met his now wife on holiday from Australia; which is where they currently reside with their two sons. And I am envious of his garden. Thank you Peter!
Rules for the Versatile Blogger Award:
1. Show the award on your blog
2. Thank the person that has nominated you
3. Share 7 different facts about yourself
4. Nominate 15 blogs of your choice
5. Link your nominees and let them know of your nomination.
Seven facts about myself:
- I am concerned that after Peter’s introduction nothing I say will be interesting.
- Sometimes I think I could be a playwright.
- I used to dream in French. (But I haven’t spoken it in over 15 years!)
- My first and favorite paying job was as a dock hand at my family’s marina.
- I regularly find myself buying every unusual pantry item at the grocery store, and realize I have actually bought nothing to make for dinner.
- I was a flight attendant.
- I want to live near a lake on a self sustaining farm in the country side, like in a Jane Austin novel.
And now for my nominations:
A Failure and A Liebster Award
Sadly, I have to admit that my WordPress Cooking Challenge, to make the dishes of eight bloggers is a bust. At least for now. I was able to make seven great dishes by seven diverse and fantastic bloggers from around the world. It’s been a lot of fun, and it’s something I plan on continuing to do in the future! My last dish is from What’s Bec Cooking, one of my favorite blogs because of getting to know Bec; who is supportive and kind, and her dishes and desserts look amazing! I also have recently become a huge fan of some Indian curry chicken dishes. So, when I read the title for the recipe Quick and Easy Curry Chicken, I was enthusiastic to try this dish with an Asian twist. Unfortunately, I have been unable (to date) to locate Kaffir lime leaves and curry leaf stalks. You cannot imagine my disappointment!!! I’m not giving up, let’s just say I’m putting it on hold, until I can expand my ethnically diverse grocer options.
In better news, I have been nominated by Chronicles of a Keeper for another Liebster award! I’m so appreciative! She has a great blog about food, family and faith… My three favorite things! I also love sharing great blogs I find in hopes that others will enjoy them as much as I do!
The rules of the award are:
• Link back to the person who nominated you
• Include the instructions in your post
• Answer the 11 questions given to you by the nominator
• Display the Liebster award logo in your post
• Nominate up to 11 other bloggers with less than 200 followers
• Create 11 questions for the nominees
• Notify all nominees via social media/blogs
Here are the questions for me to answer:
1 What brought you to the world of blogging?
I had very little knowledge of what blogging was about before I started. But I did have a strong desire to contribute in another way than just being “mom”- without quitting my day job.
2 What do you find to be the hardest part about keeping a blog?
Achieving the level of creativity I’d really like! My priority is still being a stay at home mom of four. I clean house, pack lunches, change diapers… it takes time, literally.
3 Do you try and mimic others’ writing style or do you thrive on being your own style of writer?
I wish I felt like I had a writing style! I keep thinking I should take a class (in my free time). I pretty much just write the way I speak and think.
4 If you were to ever host a “famous” writer for a guest post, who would you choose?
My leisure reading these days is pretty much limited to cookbooks, which is befitting for a guest post on my blog! Maybe Ina Garten, since she doesn’t have a blog of her own.
5 How does your faith impact your writing?
I want to be a light and a positive influence. I want to feel like anyone, children even, could read my blog and it would be safe. Jesus is the center of my life, but I didn’t start this blog to preach. I’m just sharing my life, and hopefully He shows.
6 How does your writing impact your faith?
Specifically, knowing that I’m putting my words “out there” maintains a level of accountability.
7 What other outlet do you have besides writing?
Baking and cooking, but I really keep telling myself I’m going to start regularly exercising.
8 Do you sometimes wonder you share too much in the blogosphere world?
Definitely. Almost daily. Four months ago I didn’t have a Facebook or an Instagram account, it’s a culture shock.
9 Do you sometimes feel that maybe you are too guarded in the blogosphere world?
No.
10 How did you decide on what (and how much to share) about your family?
I can’t say I haven’t thought about it. But I really have just taken it one story/event at a time. I decided the people I relate with most, and who I have connected with the most, and ultimately who have been the most helpful are those who have shared their experiences openly.
11 Do you have any blogs you really faithfully follow (as in actually consistantly read)? (If so, share!)
I follow about 100 blogs plus, I read at least half of them in their entirety (the majority being recipes). I consider many of them to be friends. Off the top of my head (including but not limited to and in no particular order): Natascha’s Palace, What’s Bec Cooking, Life Bellissima, Healthy in all Hues, Lynz Real Cooking, Quirky and Wonderful, OLD Country Girl, Old Orchard Chronicles, Chorizo & Thyme, The Richmond Avenue, Clair Neriah, Rachel Mankowitz, The Annalist, My French Heaven, Smiling Notes, Bright Shiny Objects, The Pioneer Woman, How Sweet Eats…
I think I have nominated most (if not all) of those blogs in the past, with the exception of Chorizo & Thyme. Which is why I’d like to nominate Roberta of Chorizo & Thyme for the Liebster Award!
Your 11 questions (should you choose to accept) are as follows:
- What got you into blogging?
- You’ve been at this a little while now. What drives you to keep posting?
- You’ve traveled quite a bit, where is your favorite place you’ve been?
- Where would you like to go that you haven’t been?
- Who do you love to read?
- You and a guest have just been awarded dinner anywhere in the world; Where are you dining and who are you bringing?
- The president of Malta has read your blog and is coming for a no fuss home cooked dinner, what are you making?
- Are you more of a coffee or tea person?
- What bothers you most about being a blogger?
- Which is your favorite season, and why?
- It’s a perfect rainy afternoon all alone: do you pour yourself out over a typewriter, read a book or watch a movie?
Thanks again Chronicles of a Keeper!
Sweetima’s Chocolate Mousse
One of the best parts about food blogging is you are constantly coming across new blogs with interesting recipes. Sometimes there is an instant connection, something intriguing that makes you want to know more. For me, I was instantly curious about Sweetima’s soft faded pictures of sweet treats. They all look beautiful, fluffy and light… and I’m a sucker for beautiful desserts.
I was always a salty person growing up, I’d take a bag of chips over brownies, ice cream or cake any day of the week. But that all changed during my first pregnancy. In strong waves of desire, I craved chocolate. All of the sudden I understood words like chocoholic. Nothing else but chocolate would do. When the pregnancy was over, my love of chocolate remained. Now I am officially a sweet and salty person.
I was having a strong yearning for chocolate on the day Sweetima posted the recipe for Chocolate Mousse, and I made a comment (and a mental note) to try this recipe. When fellow blogger, Healthy in all Hues, posted a challenge to make other food blogger’s recipes, it was just the incentive I needed!
The recipe was easy enough to follow, but I must admit I had a little complication with the method. I was doing okay until I had to whisk the egg whites over simmering water. In my prior experiences I whisked the egg whites at room temperature… and this time I really had to be careful not to let it scramble! Maybe because it was only one egg white? Probably because I could use more practice!
I also got a little panicked when the recipe said to divide the mousse into two portions. I don’t like to feel like I’m not going to have enough food. (I felt like my three year old getting one scoop of ice cream.) To compensate I made plenty of whipped cream, more than the optional amount suggested. But I assure you, the recipe was right! The mousse was rich, decadent and satisfying, more than I needed to appease my chocolate appetite.
For the original recipe and more sweet treats check out Sweetima!
The Richmond Avenue’s Cottage Cheese Oatmeal Pancakes
At first glance these pancakes looked like something I had to try. I know what most people were thinking, “these sound weird,” because Jasmine wrote that they did. But not me, I was thinking these sound unique, I love cottage cheese and look at that picture! I want to eat that! Of course that’s what I think about most of the food from The Richmond Avenue, which is why I selected this recipe for my WordPress Cooking Challenge!
When I started to collect the ingredients I would need to make these pancakes, my first thought was I need to get a new food processor with a larger capacity. Which actually has no connection with this recipe because the instructions clearly state to combine the ingredients in a blender, which I did. However, that was my first thought none-the-less.
It was when I began to pour the ingredients into the blender, I actually started to question “how is this going to work?” I understand that the oats were taking place of the flour (of which there is none) and I think it’s pretty cool that this is a gluten-free recipe. But there was no oil or melted butter, the only fat was in the cottage cheese. The baking powder and vanilla were normal for me (because I make pancakes on a weekly basis), but when I went to throw in a pinch of salt I had to stop myself… no salt in this recipe either! I figured the cottage cheese is probably salty enough and I started feeling healthier by the second. I have to confess- that I used three whole eggs as opposed to 6 egg whites. It was a calculated decision based on four things: firstly, I know from experience that it will add the same amount of moisture: secondly, the recipe did not call for me to whip the egg whites and gently fold them in, so although it may have been lighter I really didn’t feel I was messing with airy-ness: thirdly, I’m not worried about the amount of cholesterol I am eating, although I respect that as a healthy option: and lastly, I love my organic eggs, I don’t have any recipes in the line-up that call for yolks, and I didn’t want to waste them. But honestly all of this inner turmoil isn’t worth it! I did add the optional tablespoon of sugar- because that’s the kind of girl I am.
As I was heating up the griddle and watching my butter foam in readiness for the batter I actually got excited to see how this was going to turn out! And as I watched for the bubbles to cue me that it was time to flip the pancakes, I was happy to see the beautiful golden color that occurred on the first side! So far so good! As I moved my first round of pancakes to a side plate I had to pinch a piece off of one to see how this was going to taste. It was sweet, salty, and just like a pancake, except healthier and full of protein! It’s a delicious recipe and it even got more fun with all of the fresh fruit toppings!
For the original recipe and picture check out The Richmond Avenue
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup oats
3 Tbsp almond or skim milk
6 egg whites
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking powder
1 Tbsp sugar (optional)
Strawberries for topping (optional)
Blueberries for topping (optional)
Maple syrup for topping (“optional, but not really” – love that BTW!)
Place all of the ingredients in a blender and let it do its thing! Scoop 1/4 cup of the batter at a time on the prepared griddle (with butter or baking spray). Flip when you see the bubbles… Serve warm!
Enjoy! I know I sure did!