blogging

Loving Lately ?

Loving Lately, huh?

Um… Er… Can someone love procrastination?

Or is it that they are just really good at it?

Anyway, I am excelling at it right now. I started the year enthusiastic to try so many new recipes… I have a long list of recommendations from my readers and fellow bloggers. I really do love this stuff. And you know I get carried away with Pinterest. Take for example these Valentine cupcakes from The Silly Girl’s Kitchen…

On an any given creativity-filled day, I might give them a try. They’re adorable! But in times like this, I talk myself right out of it. It’s easy. Listen: “You are not Martha Stewart. You know that red heart in the center would just be a ruby blob.” Done.

I did manage to get out a few Valentine’s Day decorations. Same thing.

It’s not Christmas, right? Between reconfiguring the kids’ rooms and dealing with the stomach bug that attacked three out of four of my kids (on three staggering throw-up filled nights -sorry if it’s TMI), I’m just happy to get dinner on the table at all. So be it from a jar… or via carry-out.

But then I see these Toasted Ravioli Nachos from Foxes Love Lemons…

I think, really? Because I’ve done the Fried Ravioli thing and it’s delicious, but it takes a wee bit of time all on its own. And I am in full procrastination mode right now, so tell me it’s going to be worth that extra step.

No, please in all seriousness, tell me it’s worth it. Because it sounds amazing and I want to love it.

Wikipedia says that “procrastination is the avoidance of doing a task that needs to be accomplished.” If I think about it, trying new recipes isn’t exactly “a task that needs to be done.” It’s more of a “want”. If I’m going to be honest with myself, I’m really most likely putting off the laundry. It’s all a facade. And to answer my own question: Yes. I think I do love procrastination.

It’s a love/hate thing.

5 Reasons Not to Blog During the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us. We are right in the thick of it. And as much as I love this time of year, I find myself quoting this line from Christmas Vacation: “I don’t know what to say, except it’s Christmas and we’re all in misery.”

 

Ok it’s really not that bad… but I get it, and do laugh every time I say it.

 

Here are my top 5 reasons for slacking on my blog:

#5 – I am too busy actually baking for events to record them. Veritas.

#4 – We are studying and readying for Christmas concerts… Christmas Pageants… Christmas parties… and attending them. It’s chaos. It’s a lot of “What? You are supposed to have Christmas pajamas for your concert TOMORROW?”; “I don’t know, the shepherds probably wore sandals, but you are going to where your brown boots.”; “By the way we need to find a long sleeve brown shirt for Noah’s costume THIS AFTERNOON”; “Where are your socks?”; “I haven’t seen your coat. Where did you take it off?”; AAAAAAAHHH!

All four of my children made it into this closing scene; two shepherds, Mary and an inn keeper.

#3 – I am shopping for presents! Not even close to being done. And I waste time trying to think of… “who I can get this pineapple measuring set from Anthropologie for?”

 

#2 – All I want to do is be lazy. It’s the truth. I just want to crawl under a blanket and do nothing. Just leave me be.

#1 – My babies have been sick. Who has time for trips to Urgent Care and the ER? Not me. But somehow we manage to fit them in.

Virus induced asthma attacks are awful!

It’s all worthwhile.

My niece singing and playing Silent Night. Love.

Visions of Grandeur – Confessions of a Stay-at-Home Mom

I love my family. I love my children. I love that we, as a family, have the opportunity for me to stay-at-home. I never want to take that for granted. That said, I have more to give! Ok that’s an overstatement, I’m exhausted. Maybe it is more accurate to say I desire to do more.

I don’t want to quit my day job. I don’t want to give up my nights and weekends, sacrificing our only all-member family time, for a part-time job. But I do want a connection to the outside world. As of late, that yearning has lead me down a path of expression through blogging; writing and dabbling in the art of photography- specifically food photography. I’m inspired to write short stories, mostly in the form of plays and dialogues- but first I need to get the kids on the bus. It’s the regular routine of changing the baby’s diaper, making breakfast, packing lunches, cleaning up breakfast, getting the kids dressed (or checking what they have dressed themselves in), inspecting teeth, braiding hair, etc. It’s a sigh of relief when the oldest two out of four are on the bus and on their way fully prepared.

Now would be a great time to enjoy a cup of coffee and jot down that funny thought I had earlier! What was that line again? …But realistically, first I should probably start the dishwasher anyway. That reminds me I have a load of dish towels in the dryer. Crap, the dish towels are still in the washing machine. I need to bring this load of boys clothes upstairs so I can dry the dish towels. “Kids, we’re going upstairs.”

Laundry, my nemesis. They say write about what you know. How can I personify laundry? A dark, looming presence always growing in strength, a force my heroine has to face head on. A little dark maybe, but not untrue. Meanwhile in the real world, what is Noah playing with? It looks like he is in his sister’s jewelry box.

“Oh no, mom, you have to see this!” Elijah yells. Ah! Noah has painted his bangs with nail polish. Oh Noah, I’ve already cleaned up two large spills from you this morning! (Which meant his sister wasn’t on the bus fully prepared, because her baby brother swiped her water bottle -that he poured all over my comfy chair- as if I was going to sit down anyway).

“Noah, No!” I say realizing that at this point it’s not going to make a difference. Let’s get you into the tub. Where is my nail polish remover without acetone… “Stay here.” Okay, I’m back let’s get off that diaper. Plop! Are you kidding me? I just changed a poopy diaper 20 minutes ago!

“Don’t move!” Thankfully it’s in a tub right? (Optimism gets me through the day.) Poop has been transferred to the toilet, now to disinfect. Joys of motherhood. And finally, let’s get to that hair. That is not coming off. I can’t use acetone, this is too close to your eye. What am I going to do? Shave your head? Well, looks like you are going to live with it for a while.

I have a headache. “Everybody downstairs.” I am not doing laundry right now, someone has to keep an eye on the baby. Drats laundry, you win again.

“Yes, Elijah you can have your snack now.” While we’re in the kitchen I should get started on dinner. Crockpot dinner tonight! We need to eat early because Naomi has gymnastics. 

Still, somehow I know these are the best days of my life. I want to cherish every moment. A couple weeks ago, my then still 3 year old said when it was raining “maybe the clouds are crying” -a theory he discovered all on his own. A couple days later, my 5 year old daughter was not feeling well and misquoted a popular saying by explaining “I’m feeling over the weather.” People always say it goes by so fast, and I know it’s true. In the midst of it, it feels fleeting.

So, I am by choice a stay-at-home mom. Coincidingly, I realize the importance of “mommy time”, the need to preserve my sanity and identity. I still have goals! However for me, right now, it’s a necessity that takes a back seat to the priority of “being mommy”. As for my writing career, my prospective coffee shop, my strategy du jour; I’m still dreaming.

What’s Up: Summer’s End, School’s In & Photo Fixes

Summer vacation has finally come to an end. We spent our Labor Day weekend at Lake Michigan. Naturally we spent Labor Day itself getting the boys haircuts, buying last minute lunch boxes and finding new school shoes.

By the way, this is what little siblings, not going to school and still in their pajamas, do on the sidelines while camera crazy mom snaps 1 billion photos of the school kids waiting for the bus… (Do however notice the haircut and new shoes, not to be completely left out of all of the fun.)

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In blogging news I finally started to redo some old pictures- it’s part of my revamping plan. For example, my very first recipe was Jambalaya (sans Seafood). It’s one of our favorite family recipes and we probably eat it once a week. I didn’t even have a picture when I first posted it; then I found one on the internet; next I replaced it with my very own picture (much like the one I found on the internet); this week I took a couple different shots to try and replace my original.

The original:

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The almost replacement:

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The final replacement:

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I have no rhyme or reason for why I choose my photos. I usually try to poll my kids- if I can get their attention. I don’t have fancy lighting… or a studio… sigh.

In other exciting news (I understand that is relative, but I’m excited), I have been passed some new recipes that I will be sharing soon. My new “How to use my camera for Dummies” book has been delivered and I intend to practice my photography. I am looking forward to the blogging future! (As soon as I have a minute to write cook think.)

Featured image courtesy of my brother-in-law, Ryan French.

 

 

Loving Lately ?

Loving Lately: The Winds of Change

So, I took some more time off. I put the blog on autopilot, and continued to ponder the future of Sadie’s Nest.

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I’ve been really busy. We finally bought the camper… The kids have been sick…

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I had some great advice. A family member told me that if I enjoy blogging, I should keep doing it until I don’t, if that ever happens.

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Many of you were lovingly supportive, my loyal companions.

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So I’ve decided to continue my blogging adventure…

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Just keep it a little more laid back for the summer.

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I rewrote my about page (for the umpteenth time… what am I about anyway?).

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Thank you for continuing this journey with me! (And as usual thank you Pinterest for these images.)

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Love, Sadie

 

 

Loving Lately ?

Loving Lately: Lala-Land & Beautiful Things…

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I’ve been a little mentally unavailable.

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Distracted maybe, is a nice way to put it.

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And as some of you may have noticed… I’ve had technical difficulties.

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Coincidence? I think not.

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As this week celebrates my 1 year blog-iversary, I’ve been contemplating the future of Sadie’s Nest.

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My goal was to set out for one year. Mission Accomplished!

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Where it leads from here; I am uncertain. I’ve made so many wonderful friends! Good times…

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I have been nominated for awards that have not been acknowledged, blog-fully challenged and unresponsive, honored by a dear few without mention; I truly meant to reply, but time keeps slipping… So without further ado, as a small token of my appreciation to the following…

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A sincere Thank You!!

Anna of Life Bellissima

Lynn of Lynz Real Cooking

Roberta of Chorizo & Thyme

Katie of Quirky and Wonderful

Terry of Spearfruit

Antonia of Zoale

Natascha of Natascha’s Palace

Fabiola of My Heart of Mexico

Lynne of Lynne’s Recipe Trails

Parul of Gharkepakwan

I truly cherish you taking the time to mention my little blog in one way or another. And thank you to many other blogging friends I’ve made new and old. It’s been a great year and experience! To whatever the future may hold!

Love,

Sadie

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And again thank you Pinterest for letting my imagination soar (and supplying me with photos as random as my thoughts).

 

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When your 3 year old takes advantage of your open laptop…

So sorry!

But how could you get upset with this face? (Him taking selfies with my phone)

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!

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In participation, here are seven random facts about myself:

  1. I am a pretty big Audrey Hepburn fan
  2. I can tolerate but do not love cloves
  3. I am a philatelist
  4. 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!”
  5. I love the smell of waffle cones, and am always disappointed that they do not live up to their hype
  6. I have yet to use my wedding china for more than display (look out 2016 baby!)
  7. 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.

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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!

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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!!!

 

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!

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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:

  1. I am thrilled that Barefoot Contessa’s Back to Basics series is on Netflix.
  2. Growing up, my back yard was the Great Lake Erie.
  3. I have over 150 cookbooks and counting.
  4. My favorite color is yellow, it’s so cheerful.
  5. I can knit a scarf, but don’t ask me to change colors.
  6. 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.
  7. I majored in French.
  8. God is amazing, but outer space kind of freaks me out.
  9. Blogging has put a damper on my laundry. There’s a damper on my hamper. (Oh yes I did)
  10. I can (obviously) be a total goofball.
  11. 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:

  1. I am concerned that after Peter’s introduction nothing I say will be interesting.
  2. Sometimes I think I could be a playwright.
  3. I used to dream in French. (But I haven’t spoken it in over 15 years!)
  4. My first and favorite paying job was as a dock hand at my family’s marina.
  5. I regularly find myself buying every unusual pantry item at the grocery store, and realize I have actually bought nothing to make for dinner.
  6. I was a flight attendant.
  7. 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:

  1. Life Bellissima
  2. Aromatic essence
  3. Marisa’s Italian Kitchen
  4. Indfused
  5. My Heart of Mexico
  6. What’s Bec Cooking
  7. A Taste of the Caribbean!
  8. Bright, Shiny Objects
  9. Chorizo & Thyme
  10. Emerging Adult Eats
  11. Smiling Notes
  12. The Richmond Avenue
  13. This kitchen is for dancing
  14. Stephysweetbakes
  15. The Travelling Pantry