Monday, September 24, 2018

Happy Homemaker Monday: September 24, 2018

It's seriously been over 3 months since my last HHM post, so I'm long overdue! Forgive me please, life has been crazy.


The weather in my neck of the woods: There's a cold front moving through, for which I am super grateful and it's a little rainy today. Perfect for some slow-cooking.

Breakfast time, what's on my plate: Nothing so far, whoops. I mean, I have had a spoonful of cream cheese. I'm doing a lazy version of the keto diet, and this fits just fine. I suppose if I wasn't low carb, I would have some toast with it hahah.

On today's to do list: Vacuum the living room, clean the bathrooms, take the girls to the library, run to the grocery store.

Currently reading: The World Before Us by Aislinn Hunter. I'm having a hard time getting into it, but I'm going to try my darndest.

On the T.V. this week: Even though I've seen it a million times before, I'm going to try and finish That 70's Show.

On the menu this week: Making Italian Cream Cheese Chicken in the Insta-Pot today, tomorrow is Pizza Soup, and the rest of this week is TBD.

If I have a few minutes to myself this week, I will: Read my book. Have a pedicure. Take a long walk.

What I'm creating this week: I have absolutely no idea. I need to do something to keep my mind and hands busy.

New recipe I'm trying/want to try this week: Honestly, anything in the InstaPot. My birthday is coming up, and as an early birthday present, my boss got me a big fancy InstaPot. So, I'm Pinterest-ing ALL the recipes.

Favorite photo from the camera: 

My husband was off last week on Wednesday, so the older daughter and I had a girls' day. We had dinner at the local deli, and took a small hike to the waterfall in our town. We're having a repeat girls' day this Wednesday. What should we do?

Bible verse, Devotionals, Prayers:  This entire country needs prayers. Things are so messed up here and there is so much division.

Thursday, September 20, 2018

A Jumble

This is where I come back from one of my disappearing acts.
Trust me, I needed this one.


We lost my Daddy on July 6.

I still feel so incredibly lost sometimes. Like, how is this even real?
How is he gone?
My Dad was always larger than life to me. He could do anything, fix anything. He was my hero. Still is.
Two days before he died, Dad told me, "I'm leaving. I love you guys."
I can still hear him saying "Odchodze" (I'm leaving).

When my friend Ms. Lora died, I knew she would die. But I was still unprepared.

Unprepared is the understatement of the century when it comes to how I feel about Dad being gone. I find myself thinking about two years ago, when Ella and I went to visit him and Mom. I think about joking around with Dad about stupid things and getting the grand tour of the neighborhood and then remembering that he is GONE and I will not have those conversations with him again and it's like I'm being hit by a truck every single time.

And I know that where he is now, there is no more pain, no more cancer, no more sickness. Dad is whole and healthy and reunited with his parents and his older brother. My babies in heaven have met their Pop Pop and that must be so beautiful.

And as much as it hurts to be here, and be Dad-less, I know I'm really NOT Dad-less. Because he's always here. Every time I say something to make my kids laugh, I know Dad's there. Every time I fix some household item, I know Dad's there. Every time I play gypsy music for the girls, I know he's there. Since the day he died, I've been seeing blue butterflies everywhere.



I'm trying. I've wanted to sit down and write a blog about this or that and make my way seamlessly back.
But I couldn't. Not without writing about Dad.

Because I owe him at least this.
At least.

Monday, June 4, 2018

Happy Homemaker Monday, June 4, 2018

Good...afternoon!
I hate that I'm always late/rushed to post this, but that's the season of life I live in right now.
My schedule is back to semi-normal, and I work Monday nights again, so at least I'm home in the daytime.

The weather: It's legit GORGEOUS right now, and I'm enjoying the nice day. Open windows and a nice breeze. It can't get any better!

Right now, I am: channeling Carly Rae Jepsen while I unload my dishwasher. Baby's hopefully going down for a nap, and then I can get a few more chores done before work.

Thinking: Trying to plan the week ahead, and work out some budgeting stuff. I would really love to buy another betta fish and a bigger tank (our geriatric fish, LT passed on to the big pond in the sky last week, he is greatly missed), but I don't know if I can swing that this week.

On my reading pile: Same stuff as last week. I've read maybe two pages in that book, there's just no time, and my Kindle is backlit so I read on it in bed.

On my TV: Season 14 of Hell's Kitchen. I got my best friend into it, so it's fun to do a running commentary on it through text. We both think Jon from Season 11 got robbed.

On the menu this week: Tonight is Sausage, Peppers, and Rice. Tomorrow is Beef Stew in the crockpot. I'm not one to make stew in the crockpot, so I could use all the tips.

On my to-do list: Pack up more stuff to donate. We are minimalizing and it feels WONDERFUL.

In the craft basket: I got nothing right now. Everything else has kept me so dang busy, ugh.

Looking forward to this week: Lunch with a friend tomorrow, working in my garden. Getting my moss roses into a pot. I have some outside, but they're an annual so I'm going to see if they do o.k. year round inside in a pot.

Looking around the house: Who left the living room lamp on? Aurgh. Otherwise, it's pretty quiet.

From the camera: 




We had some wild weather this past week!!!!

Monday, May 28, 2018

Happy Homemaker Monday: May 28, 2018

Good evening, friends! Please take a moment tonight to think about all of the things that we have: all the freedoms, everything. And think of the men and women who made all of this possible with the sacrifice of their lives. Memorial Day is to honor the memory of all those who gave all for this country.

I'm so incredibly LATE posting this.

Why?

Because, in addition to it being Memorial Day, it's also Miss Josie's BIRTHDAY!!!
She's one today!


I apologize for my absence as of late. My Dad underwent chemo, the tumors shrank...and then they came back. Doctors were giving him days to weeks, so the girls and I went to Illinois to see him. We were told to say our goodbyes...and then Dad agreed to undergo chemo again, even though he was told it could kill him.
He did the chemo.
It shrank the tumors again.
He got pneumonia.
We prayed.

Incredibly, Dad continues to beat the odds. He is the strongest human being I know. So, please keep him in your prayers.


The weather: Rain, rain, and more rain. Flash flood warnings until Wednesday, at least. I'm actually at work right now, putting in some hours and I'm watching the rain come down. SIGH.

Right now, I am: Listening to Miranda Lambert, going through the mental checklist of the last few things I have to do here before I can leave, and typing this post. Ha.

Thinking: That I should really dye my hair. The purple has faded some and the bleach-y parts are showing, and I just don't have the time for the upkeep. I'm happiest as a brunette anyway.

On my reading pile: I got a book called "Very Bad Things" from the Dollar Tree to read on my trip to Chicago. I've read maybe 7 chapters. It's a good, easy ready, but life just moves so fast. I'm going to aim to finish it by this weekend.

On my T.V.: Hell's Kitchen, Hell's Kitchen, and more Hell's Kitchen. Also, I'm trying to start 13 Reasons Why, season 2.

On the menu for this week: I need to get back into meal planning, but what with school being done, and me picking up even more work, our evenings are a bit nuts lately. BUT, I am planning Zuppa Toscana, stuffed peppers, and a pot roast this week. Tonight, I made something I'm calling Comfort Chicken, which is a spin off from Chicken a la King.

On my to-do list: Not a lot, I'm ahead of the game today. I have to wash some bottles and pump parts. Otherwise, I'm going to try and rest and read that book.

In the craft basket: Ugh, nothing. And everything. I have so many ideas, but right now, I'm so busy with other stuff...

Looking forward to this week: Couponing and groceries and getting back to my Ibotta, so I can make a little extra cash. Also, the shopping because my freezer is going to be pretty bare bones after this week of meals.

Looking around the house: I'm not at the house, but looking around work...I'm literally the only one here right now, and it's kind of nice.

From the camera: 


A little (cup)cake carnage from this morning lolol.

Inspirational quotes, Bible verse, Devotional: 



Psalm 30:5 is Josie's life verse.

Have a beautiful week, my friends!!!!



Tuesday, May 1, 2018

I am so ready.

SO READY.

My older sister sent me some pictures of us from her wedding day, almost 18 years ago.

I look so different. Yes, part of it is I'm almost 18 years older, I've carried 5 pregnancies, I have two living children, I work ALLLLLLL the time, I'm pumping for Josie...

But Oh goodness. I hate what I see in the mirror. I hate my weight.


I've decided to revive my weight loss blog, which took one hell of a hiatus while I carried Josie and dealt with the sleepless nights of infancy.

Back then, me staying sane and dealing with one thing at a time was more important than my weight.

But, you guys, I am ready.


I am SO READY to take my life back and to love myself again.



Monday, April 23, 2018

Happy Homemaker Monday: April 23, 2019

Happy Monday! It's a new week and I'm ready to kick butt!



Breakfast time, what's on the plate this morning: A leftover stuffed pepper. My hate for breakfast food at breakfast time is real.

On this week's to do list: Declutter, Declutter, DECLUTTER!!!

Currently Reading: 31 Days to a Happy Mom by Arlene Pellicane. I'm loving it so far!

On the TV this week: Hell's Kitchen, and more Hell's Kitchen. Call me crazy, but I love me some Chef Ramsay.

The weather outside is: It's raining cats and dogs right now. Last week, we had an almost 80 degree day AND snow another day. C'mon, weather get it together!!!

On the menu this week: I'm making Chicken Stew tonight because it's so cold and awful and rainy and windy out. Not sure what the week will bring, but I've got a lot of meat in the freezer to use up, so we shall see.

If I have a few minutes to myself, I will: Take a long, hot shower.

What I'm creating: Beaded skull bracelets with Ella. Just as soon as I get some thinner elastic.

New Recipe I tried, or want to try this week: I made a pesto pasta on Saturday night, with "zoodles" and it was darn good.

From my camera: 


my kids are crazy, y'all.

Bible verse, devotional: 

Have an amazing week, friends!
Go forth and kick butt!!!!


Monday, April 16, 2018

On the subject of my Dad

Dad's a great man.
Often funny.
Seldom serious.
Always genuine.
He's been my hero since I was 8 and could live with him full-time. Before that, he was living in the US and my Mom and siblings were living in Poland.
When I was learning English, Dad was pretty military and hardcore about me learning new words. It's one of the only times when I wasn't very fond of him, ha.
Today, I'm grateful for that. Nobody has any clue that English isn't my first language and it's because Dad was so crazy about me learning the language and learning it well.

Easter, 2010.
Neither of us is terribly photogenic.

When Dad was first diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2013, I didn't hold it together well at ALL. Just ask my husband's friend, the cop, who saw me out running at 3 in the morning, sobbing my heart out. Dad constantly harangued me about family peace and family togetherness, even while he was in the hospital, days away from undergoing a transplant.

Vacation, 2016.
Still as unphotogenic as ever.

Fast forward to this past winter. I said some pretty insensitive things that caused a lot of family turmoil. Dad lectured me pretty harshly, and I was pretty mad. (even though the lecture was damn well deserved). I was immature, and we didn't speak for about a week. I wasn't speaking to anyone. Not him, not my Mom, not my siblings.

One Thursday, at work, I missed a phone call from my sister. The second time she called, I was able to pick up. Dad was in the ER. Nobody knew what was going on. Family disagreements fell by the wayside, nobody slept that night, and the next day dawned a new beginning for this family.
The terrifying beginning of finding out exactly what was wrong with Dad.
The beginning of strengthening of family bonds between my Mom, my sister, and me.

Dad went through a terrible ordeal. In and out of the hospital. Treatments for one thing, only to find out the cancer was back. A bout of C.Diff. Doctors not knowing if treatment would work because cancer coming back in this way is rare. Being told that this was their "last resort." An episode of "swimming away" during a treatment.

My Mom and I have never been close. My sister and I have had periods of time where we've been close, and periods of time where we haven't. Most of that is my personality. During one of our phone calls while he was in the hospital, Dad lectured me again, this time more gently.

"This is about family."
"Everybody needs to get along and love each other."

I don't know exactly when the ice melted. I can't recall the exact moment.
Suddenly, phone calls to my Mom are looked forward to and filled with jokes and laughter.
My sister and I, busy as we both are, find time to text one another funny things. She shares my sarcastic sense of humor.

What hits hard, is Dad was lying in a hospital bed, battling cancer for the second time, weak, tired...and his main thought was US. His wife. His kids. His grandchildren.


my parents with Ella, 2010

My Dad loves children. He loves his children. He loves OUR children (his grandkids). He hasn't met Josie yet, but he will. He asks about my girls all the time and looks at their pictures often. Ella adores her Pop-Pop. She fondly recalls our 2016 trip to Wisconsin.


my parents with Ella, 2016

Dad told me recently that he sees this man at the Family Dollar in his town. This man has two grand-daughters, "one big, one little." He says that this guy always hangs out with his grand-daughters and that he's kind of envious of him. He really really really wants to meet Josie. It's happening, and sooner than he thinks!!! :)

Dad and Ella, 2016

There's only one thing left to say about this amazing guy.

He's defied the odds once again.
The "last ditch effort" WORKED.
The tumors are barely there.
Thank you all for the prayers, God has surely heard them!!!

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Monthly Self Care Project: April

April 11, 2018
Since my last selfie post, we've found out that Dad's tumors are shrinking which is AMAZING news, and explains why I didn't mind taking a picture today.
Also, since last post, I've lost about 5 pounds and gained a new self-love.
Onward and upward!

Monday, April 9, 2018

Happy Homemaker Monday: April 9, 2018

Oh my goodness. I've been MIA a while, I know.
I honestly haven't felt much like writing anything what with my Dad in the hospital.
The latest is: we're not out of the woods right now, but he is well enough to be released from the hospital.
My Mom and I, while our relationship has always been touch and go, seem to have found a new happy place and I look forward to our daily phone calls.
I'm hoping to get back into blogging, and to regain my sanity.


Breakfast time, what's on the plate this morning: Potato and cheese pierogi. Breakfast food often makes me sick in the morning, so I prefer it for dinner. 

On this week's to do list: OH BOY. Literally everything, as I've been mostly away this weekend, looking after my boss's house while he saw his son in Winston Salem. So, all the house work, all the laundry, all the cooking. Oh, man. 

Currently reading: My Bible, and my camera manual. I got a new camera in February. It's pretty big and bad, and I'm still getting used to everything. 

On the T.V. this week: Hinterland. I swear, nobody does dark crime like the British. I finished Happy Valley (can season 3 please come out, please please PLEASE) and fell in love with Catherine Cawood. I felt bereft after it finished, and Hinterland came up as a suggestion. I've only seen one whole episode (as I mostly watch when pumping), and it was so so goood! 

The weather outside is: Insane. It's April 9th and we have SNOW. 

I have thyme coming up outside and this is what it looks like right now. Thankfully, it seems to be melting, but uggggh. Come on, April showers are NOT meant to be SNOW showers. 

On the menu this week: I have absolutely no idea. I will be more on track later this week, I promise. 

If I have a few minutes to myself, I will: Start on artwork for sale. Trying to sell what I can so I can go home and visit Dad next month. 

What I'm creating: The aforementioned artwork and a headband for Josie's 11 month photo shoot (how the heck is that even this month?!)

New recipe I'm trying this week: I haven't even looked in my freezer in 3 days, you guys. Ha. 

Favorite photo from the camera: 

We released some butterflies last weekend. 

Bible Verse, Devotional: 



Sunday, March 11, 2018

Monthly Self Care Project: March


 March 11, 2018

I was at Michael's and I was alone. My girls were with Gabe. I had debated taking some time and putting on makeup and what not, and taking this picture later this afternoon, but decided against it. 
This is reality, and sometimes, reality ain't pretty. As most of you know, my Dad's battling multiple myeloma again. 
My kids both have the cold, my husband has the cold, and I have it too. 
I'm in the process of spring cleaning my house, and I work ridiculous hours and I just don't have time for makeup and primping and that's okay. 
Do you know why it's okay? 
Because I'm still standing.
Because my family is fed and happy, despite their cold. 
Even though you can't tell in the picture, my shirt says "Strong Like Me", and I do feel strong, because my strength comes from God. 
I decided to take the picture in front of these silk flowers because even though I don't feel very pretty right now, they sure are.

Monday, March 5, 2018

Butterflies

This is our 3rd year raising Painted Lady butterflies. In 2016, I thought it would be a cool thing to try "just this once."

My daughter, of course, fell in love with watching them emerge from the chrysalis, and last year, we did it again. I was pregnant and it had even more meaning for me.


6 days after our release, I gave birth to Miss Josie.

Our 2018 batch of caterpillars arrived last week. They are sitting pretty on top of my mantel (don't worry, I don't turn the fireplace on with them up there), watched over by my "Chrysalis" Willow Tree Angel.


Stay tuned for weekly updates!

And remember...

Happy Homemaker Monday: March 5, 2018

Good afternoon, friends! It's been an odd weekend. My Dad went back into the hospital, with more vomiting and nausea. We found out that his cancer has returned. He is ready to fight, thank goodness, but I know he's having a rough time.
Please include Dad in your prayers. That said, HHM is definitely helping to keep me sane. 



Breakfast Time, what's on the plate: I guess I should say right now that stress and I are not friends, and that the first thing to go when I'm stressed out is my appetite. So, nothing.

On today's to-do list: Work. Clean. Exist.

Currently Reading: My Bible. I finished "Paper Roses" over the weekend, and now I'm waiting anxiously for the next book in the series.

On the TV: I started watching "Retribution" on Netflix, but goodness, that was some dark subject matter. As a loss parent, seeing a pregnant woman get murdered...oh, it did something to me. Instead I'm watching "Girls Incarcerated" and re-watching The Great British Baking Show.

The weather outside is: Bipolar. It's supposed to be nice today, decent tomorrow, and then boom, 30's with teens as nighttime lows. What is going on, NC?

On the menu this week: Bear with me here, friends, as I try my best to actually cook for my family in the midst of this insanity. While I cannot guarantee that certain meals will fall on certain days, I will tell you that today, before I leave for work, I will throw a few seared cube steaks into the crockpot with mushroom gravy and small potatoes. At some point this week, we will have a meatloaf casserole, a "catch whatever can be caught/leftover/whatever" day, and a spaghetti squash, as well as chicken tacos and breakfast for dinner.

If I get a few minutes to myself, I will probably: Cry. Or read. Or both, ya know, multitasking. Or sleep. Both of my girls have the cold, and I fear I am next.

What I am creating this week: At the moment, nothing. I'm focusing on keeping my sanity. Maybe I need to break out the sketchbook?

New Recipe I tried or want to try: I made beef curry over the weekend. I love Indian Food, and I have no idea how I went over 30 years without every trying it. Goodness!

Favorite photo from the camera this week: 



My youngest turned 9 months last Wednesday. We took some pictures outside. Yes, Ella has blue in her hair :)

Bible verse, Devotional 




Have a beautiful week, and stay well my friends!



Monday, February 26, 2018

Happy Homemaker Monday: February 26, 2018

Good morning, friends.
It's been a long week/week-end. On Thursday, I learned my Dad was in the emergency room at the hospital in the town where he lives. Long story short, but some tumors were found and he headed to his oncologists. At the time this is written, we are waiting on biopsy and bloodwork. Our biggest fear, of course, is that it's cancer again.
Update: While writing this post, I received a call from Dad. The bloodwork is back and it's NOT multiple myeloma. Now, we wait for the biopsy.
Please, pray for my Dad. Pray for peace, whatever the outcome. Pray for my family. Thank you all so much in advance.

I'm doing this to keep some semblance of order and sanity.

Breakfast time, what's on the plate this morning: Brown rice and vegetables. Breakfast food has usually made me sick to my stomach, and it's just that much worse this morning with the situation with Dad.

On today's to do list: 1) Work, 2) Clean the bathrooms, 3) Try to remember to breathe and function, like a normal human being.

Currently Reading: I meant to start "Paper Roses" by Karen Ann Hopkins, but I haven't yet. That's the latest book in the Serenity's Plain Secrets series.

On the TV this week: Forensic Files (mine and Ella's new favorite) and Rescue Mediums (our other favorite!)

The weather outside is: Cloudy and dreary. Still pretty warm, but it's supposed to cool down a lot by the end of the week.

On the menu this week:
Monday: Turkey pasta bake.
Tuesday: Zuppa Toscana
Wednesday: Breakfast Casserole
Thursday: Hamburger/Chili Mac, garlic bread
Friday: chicken alfredo casserole
Saturday: Ella's choice (she says probably frozen pizza)
Sunday:  Spaghetti and Meatballs

If I have a few minutes to myself, I will: Probably have a good cry.

What I'm creating this week: Absolutely nothing. The rug was pulled out from under all our feet, you guys. I just gotta get through today and then we will know what we're dealing with. Again, prayer is so appreciated.

New Recipe I tried or want to try this week: Well, I've mastered a low-carb version of Chicken Cordon Bleu, and I'm going to try a new version of chili/hamburger macaroni. This week isn't very gourmet, but I'm trying.

Favorite photo from the camera: 

So, I got a new camera this week. A big, bad DSLR that I've been wanting for years. I'm still practicing with it. Also, my boss got me flowers on Friday because he saw much this situation was weighing on me, but I was still showing up for work every day (even though he says I can take off as much time as I need...but if I do that, I will go insane)

Bible Verse, Devotional: I have to keep repeating Jeremiah 29:11.
I will update on Dad as I can, have a beautiful week!


Tuesday, February 20, 2018

General Chaos and a Goal List Update

Whew! The weather here has been amazing the last few days, so I've been as far away from the computer as possible! Just a quick goal-list check in.

1) Lose the weight: Working on it. Trying to eat better and exercise more!

2) Take my girls to the beach. It may end up being the beach here in NC, but I've got something in the works!!!

3) Sell some artwork/lettering: I'm working on a piece right now that someone has already bought!

4) Do something wild with my hair: Stay tuned. Ella and I are both going to do something this weekend.

5) Learn to make butter chicken from scratch. Done! I made it and it was AMAZING!!!!

6) Buy a wafflemaker. Going to cross that off my list this weekend, too!

7) Start a family tradition. It's in the works!

8) Pay the adoption fee for a cat for someone at the Humane Society. (The cat won't be for me, sigh) It's in the works, too. Going to start a change jar just for that!

9) Rescue another cat. You guys saw that coming, didn't you?

Monday, February 19, 2018

Happy Homemaker Monday: February 19, 2018

Happy Monday! I meant to have this up earlier, but I ended up going to breakfast with a friend and then just got busy with the kids. It's Presidents' Day so it's one of those lazy days (except then I get caught up with a million little household chores), but I still  have to go to work in a few hours.

Moving on!

Breakfast time, what's on the plate this morning: It was chicken and waffles. It's one of those Southern things that I'd never had, despite the fact that I've lived here for almost 8 years. It was a bit weird, but I'm kind of into it.

On today's to-do list: Cook dinner before I work, go to work, pack up some more boxes for Goodwill and some clothes for Ella's little bestie.

Currently Reading: "Hidden in Plain Sight" by Karen Ann Hopkins. It's the 4th book in the series of Amish mysteries. Part of me would love to live the Amish life, it seems so simple...but the very fact that there are so many murder mysteries written about them makes me think twice, ha!

On the T.V. today: Criminal Minds and Drop Dead Diva, but mostly Criminal Minds. Matthew Gray Gubler is an amazing actor and his hair is the stuff dreams are made of!

The weather outside is: Cloudy but warm. I think I can handle it.

On the menu this week:
Monday: Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Tuesday: Ham Alfredo
Wednesday: Cheatin' Chicken Soup
Thursday: Denver Pot Roast, Potatoes
Friday: Every man/woman/kid for himself/herself (I may bring home a pizza or something)
Saturday: Pork Loin
Sunday: Turkey Spaghetti

If I have a few minutes to myself, I will: Work on those bookmarks. Something else got my attention this week.

What I am creating this week: Bookmarks. A cleaner home. Oh, and I just finished this. It's hard to see, but it is blue and gold.


New recipe I tried or want to try: I finally made Butter Chicken from scratch and it was incredible. I'm really impressed! Also, I made Eggplant Lasagna. Both definitely worth a make-again. Do you have any favorite low carb recipes?

Favorite photo from the camera: I honestly can't just choose one this week.


On Valentine's Day, I took the girls to two parks in town, and we had a great time. It was over 60 degrees that day, and it was just awesome to hang out with both of them.

You can really see that Ella is almost a teenager (whyyyy?!) and Josie would honestly live in a swing if I let her.

Bible Verse, Devotional: 

Have a great day!!!




Sunday, February 11, 2018

Monthly Self-Care Project: February

Honestly, the only reason this photo was taken is because it's the 11th and I am committed to the project.
This last month has been ROUGH. Trying to balance a family and a household and work and trying to be a better person is hard.
I took this photo at Goodwill, where I took my 2 daughters and a friend to shop. I was pretty exhausted and I'm pretty sure that my "luminous" moisturizer wasn't holding it's own.
But, hey, I had my long-awaited rainbow baby in the carrier and two tween girls laughing through the aisles, and dang it, I was happy. 

I swear, something has to be done with this hair. And maybe some makeup wouldn't hurt?
I'm still working on this weight loss thing. 
Baby steps.
Gonna work on the put-together Mom look next month...unless something else comes up!

Thursday, February 8, 2018

Desperation in the Kitchen: Cauliflower Kuku

Since Josie was about a month old, we've been receiving WIC benefits, and those help immensely. One of the ways we've benefited from them has been fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as eggs, dairy, beans, and baby food.  and  Another has been the magazine they put out for Kids, Chop-Chop. We get an issue every 3 months, and Ella loves them.

We found this recipe for Cauliflower Kuku, an Iranian egg dish in one of the first magazines we got. We love cauliflower and cheese and eggs and trying new things so this was an obvious to-make. I even converted my husband and boss, who both said this sounded "really weird." Boss is now looking for different variations to try, and my husband always says "yes!" when I make "that Iranian egg thing."

On Monday, I made the same dinner twice. Once for my boss, once for my family. It didn't take long, either time, and my boss even had leftovers for breakfast the next day (mainly because he doesn't have an always-hungry husband, an always-hungry 11 year old, and an a growing baby in the house). It's good hot or cold.

Cauliflower Kuku

What you need: 


*Olive Oil
*Onion
*Garlic (I used garlic powder)
*Coarsely chopped cauliflower (I used a medium size head)
*Salt, pepper, cumin
*1/4 cup of water
*parsley (but dill is also incredible) 
*3 eggs, beaten
*Shredded cheese, to your liking. I used swiss this time, but have had great success using mozzarella, cheddar, and feta.

Also, I completely forgot to photograph the eggs, so you get to see them by themselves in all their egg-y glory.

What you do: 

Before anything, preheat your oven to 400 degrees

Saute the onion in oil, until it's translucent.

add cauliflower, water, spices, and parsley. Cook down until cauliflower is soft, about 10 minutes

push the cauliflower off to one side, and add more olive oil


add eggs and cheese, and cook until set, about 4 minutes


Bake for 7-8 minutes. Top with additional cheese, if desired. Amazing!