Monday, December 3, 2012

My Newest Food Obsession with Recipe

 

OK, so here's the deal. My friend bought 9 lbs of these sausages a while ago. When she went to eat one, she found out they gave her terrible heartburn. So I inherited 8lbs of these delicious sausages. I'm sorry she felt bad after eating them, but I am thankful!!! Never would have bought these on my own. Now I will!

In a word: YUM.

Low calorie (for a sausage, that is) and low fat, full of flavour...sausage perfection.

An example of how much we like them: as I said, I was given 8lbs of sausage. We've already eaten half of them. SINCE THANKSGIVING. =) They're good.

They are excellent last minute meal ideas. The recipe below was dinner last night. Delicious! I just threw it together and the family enjoyed it. Cheap and easy is my dinner motto this week!

No, there are no pictures. We ate it too fast.

Chicken Sausage and Veggie Pasta

serves 4

Sauce:
1TBS olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 TBS minced garlic
3 links Casual Gourmet Roasted Red Pepper & Spinach Chicken Sausage, sliced into rounds
1 28oz can crushed tomatoes
2 TBS tomato paste
1/2 cup water
2/3 cup wine
2 tsp dried basil
2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 bay leaf
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 TBS sugar

In a dutch oven over medium heat, saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil until the onions are translucent. Add the sausage and cook for 3 minutes. Carefully pour in the next 8 ingredients (crushed tomatoes through bay leaf) and stir until combined. Stirring occasionally, allow the contents to come to a boil. Lower heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sausage from scorching. Add the salt, pepper and sugar. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.

Veggies:
2 medium zucchini, cut in half length wise and cut into bite sized half moons
2 medium yellow squash, cut in half length wise and cut into bite sized half moons
8oz Baby Bella mushrooms, washed and halved
Salt and Pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. While the sauce is cooking, thoroughly wash and cut veggies according to the above directions. Spray a large baking sheet (with sides!) with cooking spray. Arrange veggies on the sheets so that all vegetables are touching the bottom and are in a single layer. Spray again with cooking spray. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Bake for 30 minutes, or until vegetables are soft and the undersides are lightly brown. Do not stir while cooking.

1 lb box of your favourite pasta, cooked according to package directions.

When all is done, toss everything together and serve. It's yummy. The sauce tastes sausagey with a hint of wine and the vegetables are lovely.

Try it and let me know what you think!

Don't cook this while starving though...the wine fumes will go straight to your head!

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Lovely Afternoon and Pattern Woes

I've spent the afternoon reading a new book (Spying in High Heels, by Gemma Halliday. Funny) and listening to The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey soundtrack online. It's free. And legal. I promise.

So aside from breaking up several little girl fights, this has been a pretty awesome day.

Oh yeah, and the Vogue skirt pattern I bought a year ago and couldn't make because my measurements weren't as small as Vogue said they should be is still too small. Darn Vintage Vogue. I wanted to sew it this weekend. But why bother if I can't wear it anyway? *Sigh* The pattern instructions sure do a number on your self esteem...according to the measurements, my waist is a size 20, and my hips a more reasonable 16. Trying to remember I'm half that size. AND LOOK GOOD, DARN IT ALL!

There you go, my size rant for the year. I am beautiful just the way God made me. Although a few more hours of cardio each week wouldn't go amiss...purely for health reasons!

I may someday be able to fit this...I like the mid-length best. Far right.
I have a love/hate relationship with sewing.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Currently

I'm doing it...a Currently post. Sorry if you are sick of reading this same format from other bloggers. Skip and come back another day. ;-)

Currently:


Listening to: Christmas music! Michael Buble is my favourite at the moment, but that can always change. Tony Bennett is going in next...

Reading: Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul, by John and Stasi Eldridge. About halfway through and I love it. Highly recommend!!! It has given me many great things to think about and pray over after reading each chapter.

Feeling: TIRED! And a little cranky. The whole family has been sick for a while now, with Tempe being the sickest. I think we're averaging about 4 hours of sleep a night. And she's stopped napping. Very ready for health to reign supreme!

Working on: Two projects! One is my cook book (great progress this week!) and the other is a large Christmas ornament for a friend. It is going to be lovely. Black and white satin flowers covering a large Styrofoam ball topped with a large silver bow. Can you picture it? After I finish I'll try to remember to post a pic of it. Found my camera!!!

Looking forward to: My birthday! And the school Christmas play to be over. I love that my husband has the opportunity of co-directing the play and he's enjoying it! But...the family misses him. Tempe especially as she is sick and only wants Daddy snuggles.

Making me happy: Moroccan food! Seriously, I found a recipe for a vegetarian chickpea dish that I am obsessed with. Don't believe me? Made it Monday and making it again tonight. My hubby and I fought over the leftovers so I'm making a double recipe tonight.

Loving: This picture. It's not the best in the world, but I was happy. He was happy. And we actually have a pic of the two of us! If you know either one of us, you'd understand how difficult this actually is...we hate being photographed! It was taken at the craft fair...obviously, we are in costume! He was Dr. Jekyll AND Mr. Hyde, and I was Mary Poppins. I think we're cute! ;-)

Monday, November 12, 2012

Birthday Girl

Favourite quote of the day: Tempe reading a flap book about striped animals, "If I had purple stripes, and was a bug, I'd be a [open flap] CATERPICKLE!"

Haha. I love my girl. She makes me laugh.

Her birthday was Halloween. She's now THREE! My baby is no longer a baby. So sad...

In belated honour of her birthday a few pictures of her! Hard to believe how much she's changed! I am thankful for the blessing she is in our lives. She is an easy-going kid (until you rub her wrong, then watch out!), who is fun and goofy and completely adorable.

7 months. At the beach for the first time. Loved eating sand.


16 ish months. Loved bouncing on everything (even her sister!).
18 months. Silly girl.
2 years, 6 months. Loved music, dancing, fish.

2 years, 10 months. Loves hats, dresses, and dancing to Train.
I can't find my camera at the moment or I'd share a more recent photo of her. But it isn't surprising I can't find it. Last week I tried opening my house with the car key remote, I lost my glasses then later found them on my face, lost my cellphone to find it in the fridge, and forgot to eat most days. Slowly we are recovering from Mommy's crazy spell.

Anyone else have weeks like that they care to share?

Friday, November 2, 2012

The Power of a Hug

Rough start to the day. Long hours of wakefulness last night. One tea bag (of the good stuff anyway) left in the house this morning. One man running late. One daughter losing her school things every morning for the last two weeks. And the other daughter crying about the cold and having the leave the house.

(If you are cold, wear shoes. Don't go outside on a 37 degree morning barefoot and expect to be warm. Three year olds...just had to point that out)

Saying I was a little grumpy is an understatement.

But I came home. Made myself that last tea bag (it was lonely by itself!) and sat. Thinking. Pondering. Praying. Confessing. Too many mornings I am tired and stressed out getting people ready and out the door. I shout the words "HURRY UP!" too much. I get grumpy when no one follows my schedule.

I sat and drank tea and felt badly for how I respond to situations. And then I hear the pitter-patter of Tempe feet running through the house. A sweet little voice asks, "Mommy, I want to give you a hug." And she does. A beautiful demonstration of God providing me with exactly what I needed when I needed it.

Hugs are important. Everyone should be hugged more.

In fact, there is a recent birthday girl who needs one right now.

Good-bye. Hug someone special today. You don't always know when someone could use the love and encouragement.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Pinterest

Pinterest is both the greatest invention ever and the worst torture imaginable.

Especially for someone who suffers food allergies.

I find great allergy friendly recipes, household hints, crafts, kid friendly activities, and pictures of gorgeous overpriced fashion. But then there will always be links to things like this:

 
Or this:
 
 
Or this:
 

Do you see my problem? After an afternoon on Pinterest, I started craving all sorts of cheesy things. But it was good for something. I learned how to best clean a stainless steel sink and then did it. Then the boys filled the sink with dirty dishes and no one can tell it was ever clean. Oh well. If you are a Pinterest addict like myself, look me up! You can find me here.

Also inspired by Pinterest, and the 6 pounds of apples sitting in my kitchen, I made homemade chunky applesauce. It was my own recipe, not one I found online, but the photos of Fall cuisine inspired me. The smell of fresh applesauce inspired a craving for waffles. Which I didn't get as I'm out of gluten free flour. My fault, I know.

Just wanted to say before I sign off that obviously, I did not take those gorgeous photos, however, if you go to my Pinterest Food! page you will find both the links and the recipes for them! Someone should enjoy them since I can't.

If you do make one, do me a favour? Tell me how good it was? (Or bad) "And remember this is for posterity, so be honest..." I have to live a dairy and gluten filled life through you now.

Bonus points to those who know where the quote is from. Not hard, I know.
 

Friday, October 12, 2012

Alone

It's Friday night! Anyone have fun plans? I have to live vicariously through you since I don't leave the house. EVER. Not true of course, but sometimes it feels like it!

The girls are sleeping (HOORAY! Miracle, you have no idea), the hubby is out with friends and I am hanging out at home. Alone.

It's nice! Yes, I have a million projects to do, but I am also going to relax, watch some Doctor Who, knit, and enjoy the peace and quiet. Today was loud and stressful so it's a great way to end!

Oh, yeah. And I need to clean. ASAP. I'll share a pic tomorrow (because I'm feeling lazy now) of just how bad my kitchen is right now. I didn't wash any dishes today, and now the sink (and beside it) are piled ridiculously high. There are no clean forks, spoons or knives in the drawer. I did dishes yesterday!!! What's the deal??? I'm convinced I have an evil imp who comes out when I'm not looking to dirty dishes.

Speaking of evil imps, we have a chipmunk living in our walls. He climbed in through the hole around the outdoor AC unit and is making himself quite at home. Every once and a while he makes his presence known by scurrying through the walls and making THIS sound. FREAKS ME OUT!!!

Just played that video, and the walls are now echoing me. EEEEEKKKKK!!!!!!!!

Freakiest part of having a chipmunk? Took a bubble bath earlier in the week. My back is killing me this week and I thought the hot water would relax me. HA! Well, it did. Until, Mr. Chipmunk (Haven't named him yet, ideas? Alvin and Theodore were just too obvious) ran through the wall behind the bath tub, and then went under the bath tub. AND BUMPED UNDER MY BACKSIDE. I jumped a mile. Screamed. Threw my back out too. Now I'm paranoid about taking another bath. Sad, because I have a new book and a new bath salt to try out.

Anyone know the best way to rid a house of a chipmunk you can't get to?

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Poor Baby

The girls woke us up this morning before the alarm went off.

It went like this:

Battering ram to the door, slams the wall open. Bright light shines down upon our faces.

At the same time:

Isobel: Mom, I don't feel good. I'm sick.

Tempe: MOM! SHE THREW UP IN MY BED!

Sure enough she had. Not sure what made her vomit in her sister's bed...thankfully Tempe's bed has a mattress pad (potty training! more on that disaster another day) so it was an easy clean up.

Bel is currently lying on the couch looking pitiful, directing her sweet sister to fetch and carry for her. Mostly to keep T out of the way I think. T is being very sweet and kind...kinder than I expected for the girl who barfed on her favourite blanky.

Thankful.

I texted my hubby earlier: If today had to be a sick day, today is turning out ideal. No grumps, just sweetness.

Nothing especially productive has happened today, but the girls are happy. And I'm drinking tea by the potful. So I am happy.

In creative news:

New scented oils arrived this week! Cinnamon leaf, Cedar, Lemongrass, French Vanilla and more Lavender! Looking forward to some time making scrubs. I have 10 scarves/cowls done! Working on more cup warmers. Hopefully this evening I will have a couple of hair pieces done. Feeling pretty good about all I've accomplished so far and I still have a month before the show! Now if only I can sell a few things before then, I'd be golden. Can I just say, designing a craft booth is hard?

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Beer

Just a short post cause I'm tired, have a ton of work to do and am drinking a beer!!!

Yes, a beer. Gluten free. Ish. Apparently Heineken has low enough levels of gluten that it is alright for most intolerant people to drink. It may not be the best tasting beer in the world, but it's a beer!!! I guess I'll find out in a little while just how sensitive I am to gluten...


This cup cozy is my latest project. What do you think? Nerdy enough? ;-)

I think my next one will be a TARDIS... Or a redshirt. What do you think? I'll be selling them at a craft fair in November.

Well, my beer is getting warm and my knitting is waiting.

Cheers!

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Rain

It's raining. Washing my back patio clean of chalk drawings, mud pies and pipe tobacco. The air feels cool and smells clean and wet.

I love rain. It makes the world feel new.

Went outside to take a few photos and had a lot of fun. Sorry, but you are about to be subjected to my nature photography. Take a deep breath, in and out, then pretend I can actually take an ok photo of trees.

The leaves are just starting to change colour.

I love leaves

Raindrops

Leaf floats in puddle

Tempe's latest accomplishment: drawing people (or monster in this case)--but will she draw them on paper? Yes, but Mommy's office floor is way more fun to colour on!

All done! See, was that so bad? You were lucky. I took at least 20 pics, but most were horribly blurry. Apparently I wiggle too much. And the world that knows me laughs.

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Dragon*Con

Billy Boyd "Pippin"

Sylvester McCoy

Craig Parker "Haldir"

Billy Boyd & John Rhys Davies


Jewel Staite "Dr. Jennifer Keller"
Steampunk!

Jason Momoa "Ronan"


Cliff Simon "Baal" --he totally looked over at my friend and me and smiled at us! =) Bad pic...


Elizabeth met a Dalek. He moved and spoke. Freaked us out. In a good way.

 

Hi!

Hi there!

Remember me? The crazy knitting baker lady? Yep...I'm back. Sorta. Did you miss me? I missed you!

Since we've last chatted (which is what I pretend actually happens when I blog instead of me rambling on and on over cyberspace. It sounds better) many many things have happened. So this will either be a really long rambly post, or I'll be too overwhelmed and leave all of it out and go find myself a drink instead. It is after 5 in Ireland, don't you know.

So here is a list of the stuff that's gone on... Slightly less rambly and stressful for you, my reader. But I will probably stress looking at the list later. Oh well. I'll call it a cardio workout and be done with it.

1. Agreed to do two craft fairs within 1 week of each other. Yes, I am indeed crazy. And stressed. I even found a white hair this morning. EEEK! Actually, that's fine. I don't care about going white. But the fairs are nightmarish to plan for. Will be fun when it happens, but for now...someone bring me chocolate.

2. Discovered I have a gluten intolerance. This is painful. No more easy baking. No bread. =( But I can still eat potatoes and rice. I love potatoes and rice. And they are healthier!

3. Lost 4 lbs after cutting wheat from my diet. YAY!

4. Seriously potty training my almost 3 year old. I have mopped up more puddles these last couple weeks than I thought was humanely possible to produce. But we're getting there! Apparently if you reward with chocolate chips (my girl!) and Disney princess underwear potty training is easier and more exciting. At least this is what my daughter has communicated.

5. Discovered Doctor Who. I'd put off starting it because I knew I'd love it and obsess over it. And guess what? I was right! Currently on the 10th Doctor. =) It gives me something to knit to.

6. Celebrated my mother's 50th birthday. Shh...don't tell her I told you.

7. Went shopping for Fall clothing. I love Fall. Fall is awesome. I cannot wait for the weather to stay cool enough to wear my new clothes!!!

8. Suffering a relapse of heart related issues...cut back on caffeine. Except for today. Today I'm wired. And jumpy. Tempe whispered hi and I freaked out. I need help.

9. Had a migraine that lasted for 10 whole days! Isn't that exciting? :-/

That's enough for now. My fingers need to get back to knitting. =)


Thursday, August 23, 2012

Pumpkin Bread

As requested, here is my Pumpkin Oatmeal Bread recipe!!! I tripled the recipe because I wanted lots...and because I had the giant 29oz can of pumpkin anyway. Why would anyone buy the smaller can? Can someone explain this to me?

So, I am posting this recipe as I made it today. Tripled. You can cut the recipe down if you want, but it freezes nicely and it does taste really good!!! Because of the wheat flour, oatmeal and pumpkin this is a fiber rich low fat bread. =)

Pumpkin Oatmeal Bread with Chocolate Chips


2 cups all purpose white flour
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
3 Tablespoons baking powder
1 Tablespoon baking soda
1 1/2 Tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
3 cups old fashioned oats
2 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
2 cups dark chocolate chips
4 eggs, beaten
1 cup olive oil
2 1/2 cups milk (I used vanilla soy, but almond milk would also be great!)
1 29oz can pure pumpkin puree (NOT canned pumpkin pie filling)

NOTE: I use the Old Fashioned Oats because they give the bread a chewy texture. You can substitute quick cooking oats if you prefer. Also, this bread is not very sweet. Intentionally. Add more brown sugar if you want it sweeter.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease 3 loaf pans.

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the first six ingredients. Add the oats, sugar and chocolate chips to the flour mixture and make a well in the center. Pour into the well the eggs, milk and oil. Mix well. Slowly and carefully add the pumpkin puree, mixing until combined.

Divide the batter between the loaf pans and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean of pumpkin (you'll no doubt cut through some chocolate though.). If the tops become too brown before the center is cooked through, cover with tin foil.

Remove from pans immediately and cool on racks.

This makes a great breakfast or snack. My girls love this bread too!

Well, there you go. Enjoy. Let me know if you make it. And what you think.

I baked mine around 10:30 this morning and the house still smells like pumpkin and cinnamon. There really is no better scent for a home!!



I love my pumpkin pan. This is the first time this year I've used it. It's getting to be Fall, people!!!

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Medical Woes

I haven't forgotten about blogging. Or you. Promise.

The past 6 weeks have been nuts, medically speaking. My pharmacy is in the doghouse. Three times, (yes, THREE) in the 6 weeks I mentioned, the pharmacy has switched my prescription on me. You know what this means to my body? Migraines. Nausea. Appetite Changes. Low Energy. Muscle Cramping. And General Blahness. The past two weeks have been the worst, thus no posts. Sorry.

I have missed you.

Happy updates:
Isobel is LOVING school and Tempe and I are slowly getting back into a routine.
I have sold 3 body scrubs in the last two weeks.
I have knit two whole scarves (and they are beautiful! Loved the yarns!)
I have fed my family more than just PB&J and eggs this week!!!

Not so happy updates:
My house is a dirty wreck. I don't think I've cleaned in days. I feel awful.
My daughter was given a haircut in school yesterday. By a boy. My husband suggests a crush. I smacked him. Three inches off one side of her head. Thankfully her hair is curly. And grows back quickly.

My Steampunk costume is coming along. I am going to look awesome. And have loads of fun. Richard Dean Anderson is going to Dragon*Con. My nerd heart gave a pitter-patter. I love McGyver.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Food Cravings

Have you ever picked up a book and after reading a while developed food cravings?

This happens frequently to me. Last week I read three books in a row that mentioned pie. It made me want pie. Did I get pie? No. Too much trouble. I made muffins and pretended it was pie. Today I started a book set in Italy. So of course, as soon as the Italian Mama made family dinner I was drooling for pasta sauce.

This began my afternoon of cooking adventures.

Homemade Red Pasta Sauce. Greek Yogurt (I started this yesterday, but it just finished straining) Granola. Homemade Ricotta Cheese

Life is good. Because it's good and I love you and it's Friday, (YAY FRIDAY!) here is the recipe for super tasty Pasta Sauce. It has been heartily approved by my very picky Italian husband. =) The best part about this recipe? It feeds a ton of people. With enough leftovers to freeze. Make the pot, freeze half and you have any easy dinner later on after a rough day. Aren't I brilliant?

Spaghetti Sauce


Ingredients needed: onion, garlic, oregano, basil, bay leaves, cayenne pepper, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes and ground beef. Not shown: sugar, water and olive oil.
First, chop one medium sized onion. Like so...


Also chop the garlic. 12 cloves of them. Not the little cloves, either.

Now, in a huge pot heat 3 TBS olive oil. Add in the onion and saute. Then add the garlic!


Warning: this will smell divine.
Add the ground beef and brown. Note that you can use thin sliced steak instead of the beef. That's the preferred around here, but I was out and used what I had on hand.


When the meat is browned, add 1 TBS each of oregano and basil. 1tsp cayenne, salt and pepper.


Once fragrant, add the tomatoes and tomato paste!!!



Stir the ingredients together and add 12-24 oz water. Also add 2 more TBS dried basil and oregano and the bay leaves. 3 of them.


Uncovered, bring to a boil over high heat. After boiling 15 minutes, lower heat. Simmer 1 hour covered, stirring occasionally. Taste. Add sugar to cut the acid. Add any more seasonings to taste. Simmer another 45 minutes. Turn off heat. Eat and enjoy!

Recipe:

1 medium onion, chopped
12 cloves garlic, minced
3 TBS olive oil
2 lbs ground beef (or thin sliced steak cut into bite sized pieces)
3 TBS dried basil, divided
3 TBS dried oregano, divided
1 tsp cayenne pepper (more to taste--I usually add another tsp at the end)
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
1 tsp ground black pepper
4 cans (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
4 cans (6 oz) tomato paste
3 large bay leaves
1/4 cup sugar

In a large pot, heat the oil over med-high heat. Add the onions and cook to soft, adding in the garlic. Cook until just barely beginning to brown. Stir in the beef. Brown. Once browned, mix in 1 TBS oregano and 1 TBS basil, cayenne, salt and pepper. Carefully, pour in the tomatoes, both crushed and paste. Add remaining spices.
Bring to a boil, uncovered. Allow to boil 15 minutes, then lower heat and cover. Simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add the sugar and taste. If desired, add any more seasonings to taste. Simmer another 45 minutes. Take off the heat and enjoy!
Serve over pasta, or whatever you fancy. I love to make veggie lasagna with this!
Serves plenty. ;-)

My favourite way to taste test this is ladle out a small serving and dip crusty bread into it. Fantastic snack.
Enjoy my friends!!!

Monday, August 6, 2012

Kindergarten Girl and the Sad Mama

Bel on her way to kindergarten
Today was Bel's first day of kindergarten. She bounced up and down. She ran to school. She dragged me along behind her. She laughed when I cried saying goodbye. So did her principal and the director of operations at the school. "Buck up, Mom!" They told me.

Men.

Tempe and I kept busy. T was perfectly fine without her sister until naptime. After three stories she was fine again. My girl.

I spent more time moping today than I had intended. This is ok. Today was an emotionally charged day. Tomorrow will be better.

On an unrelated note, I am allergic to fire ants. This was discovered late last week while I mowed the lawn. Our back yard seems to be a favourite spot for fire ants. This is the 14th colony I've had the pleasure of killing since moving into this house. But before I killed it, I stepped in it. After five days, my leg is no longer swollen. Progress!!! It still hurts though.

Anyone else send their child for a first day of school recently? How'd you do?

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Narnia

Today Bel and I made our first journey into the Wardrobe.

It's magical. And snowy. She loves it. I love snuggling on the couch with my girl and a cup of coffee to read a magical book. The perfect way to start the day. Absolutely.

It totally made me forget that I had less than 4 hours of sleep last night. Well, the four cups of coffee may have helped with that too...

Reading The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to my daughter may just be incentive enough for me to wake up earlier in the mornings. If you know me, you know that it is my firm belief that morning does NOT begin before 8:30am. And Heaven help the person that interrupts me before my first cup of coffee.

Emotional maturity. That's what this is.

Random question: What are your thoughts on Steampunk? When you hear "Steampunk" what is the first image that comes to mind? Do you even know what Steampunk is?

Oh happy evening. Enjoy, my friends. I am off to enjoy my spiked cranberry juice and a fun book. Yes, steampunk. How'd you guess? ;-)

Friday, July 27, 2012

DragonCon

In case I haven't shared enough about how completely nerdy I am (yes, it needed to be bold, underlined and italicised)...

My best friend and I--high school freshman. I was Batman.
My mask had eyebrows like Adam West's Bat suit 
Dragon Con is coming to Atlanta. The original Batman and Robin, Adam West and Burt Ward will be attending. Gah! Actually, I recognized over half the list of celebrity attendees...Patrick Stewart anyone? John Rhys Davies and Billy Boyd?

Unfortunately, I have no money and can't go...*tear*. This is tragic. Maybe next year.

Until then...

Live long and prosper

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Lawn Mowing

I mowed my back yard today. I've never mowed a lawn before. It was exciting. Mostly because the jungle that had moved into my yard while my hubby has been sick was cut back. If I could find batteries for the camera I'd have taken a picture to show you. Sadly, all batteries have been stolen by Borrowers. Look at your knees and imagine the grass and weeds brushing up against them. That was my back yard. Tempe wasn't allowed to play outside in case we lost her...

Just kidding...sort of...

So I think my skin is permanently dyed green. After I refill the gas can and finish mowing the last strip of yard I may look like the Wicked Witch of the West... Why was she green, by the way? (only asking about the original story) Was she even green in the original Baum book? Or was that an MGM addition like the ruby slippers...hmm...

I have an actual post coming up--hopefully tomorrow or the next day. It's been difficult to write. It has been a week of sadness...many tears have been shed. But I am feeling better. Thanks to all my friends to have hugged me and listened to me...I love you.

Friday, July 20, 2012

Cookbook progress

Did you know I am writing a cookbook?

It is a collection of recipes--main course to dessert--that are dairy free, gluten free, and/or just lactose free. This week I've spent time in the kitchen perfecting some recipes, brainstorming over recipe ideas and writing. It's been really fun! Before presenting the cookbook to publishers I need 100 original recipes. So far I have just under 20. But I'm working on it!

So far my absolute favourite main dish is a dairy free Buffalo Chicken Pizza. So many flavours come together into a delicious taste explosion. It's completely divine. Best part is that eating it I don't even miss eating cheese!!!

Hmm...now I want one...

My very good friend has graciously agreed to help me with this huge project. She is a gluten free foodie chemist. We've enjoyed cooking together since 2002... More likely than not at least one recipe in the finished book will have an unofficial Star Trek theme. =) Because we have way too much fun not to do something crazy like that...

Today I am researching cookbook writing software and publishers. Not that I am anywhere ready to begin the publishing process, but being informed is good.

My goal is to have the 100 recipes created, perfected and written by the New Year. My hope is that if all goes well my cookbook will be at the publishers. We'll see.

Am I completely crazy for being paranoid about posting my original recipes here? I want to share and get feedback, but I'm crazy worried that whatever I do share will be stolen and used elsewhere so I can't publish it later. But I also worry that I have spiders living in my mattress. Which I don't. But you never know. See? Paranoid.

Like Paranoid Parrot. Have you seen those?  Google it. Laugh hysterically. Picture me. =)

I googled this. I don't own it. Although this fits me perfectly.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

BJs, Barf and Blabbermouths...

On Wednesdays I usually try to avoid shopping. The stores are filled with people taking advantage of senior citizen discounts. This is one thing I can't wait to get old for...saving money just because I'm old. =)  Today the trip out was unavoidable. We were out of milk. Heaven forbid my husband and youngest child be deprived of their cow product. BJs has the best price so we took a family trip to the mega store.

Have I mentioned that my husband has pneumonia? He's one of the worst patients ever. He hates being sick. He hates being sick in bed even more. Thus a trip out. Fresh air makes him (slightly) happier.

My kids love BJs because they have shopping carts with cars attached and samples. Unfortunately with my dairy intolerance I am unable to partake of the samples...they smell really good, but the kids enjoy them. Today there was a cheese sample booth. Tempe was thrilled. Cheese! Her favourite! As she scarfed down her tooth picked triangle of processed cow product I turned the ridiculously large shopping cart towards the milk aisle. Then, it happened. My almost 3 year old barfed all over the floor. Apparently, she doesn't appreciate provolone. Huge mess, worse smell. Disaster.

Tempe was quite pleased with herself. She told everyone in the store what she did. And her sister made sure to tell everyone how naughty that was.

I may not be allowed back in BJs.

Question for you: How do you teach your kids to keep silent about personal information???

Isobel and Tempe go up to everyone they see wherever we are and tell the strangers their names, address, parents name, etc. And then let the strangers know that they aren't allowed to talk to strangers. I love that my kids are brave enough to talk to people. Later in life that skill will be very useful. However, right now they refuse to learn the art of silence. And about keeping personal information personal. The Walmart cashier knows almost more about my life than I do. This disturbs me.

So how do you teach your children about strangers and not blabbing info that will get me robbed? At this point, short of duct tape, I don't know what will help them learn. HELP!!!!!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

My Kids

My kids make me laugh.

They say the darndest things.

This morning their father and I went through a few boxes in the storage room. They were full of junk. High school yearbooks (yikes, I looked so geeky...in a bad way), Adventures in Odyssey tapes, signed posters for bands I was obsessed with in high school, a Civil War nurse Barbie, etc. Junk.

We did find my Aragorn (from Lord of the Rings. If you didn't know this, I'm sad) action figure. He's about a foot tall. He has a giant plastic sword. Isobel inheirited him. To say she's thrilled is an understatement. Tempe was given the Barbie. This is an example of their play conversations. Yes, I am quoting exactly. Sadly I didn't get any of this on film.

Isobel (to Tempe and Clara the Barbie): Hi, I'm Aragorn. I'm awesome cause I have a giant sword."

Tempe (to Clara the Barbie): Pretty dress!!

Isobel: So, how about you and I get married?

Tempe: EEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (exit scene)

Isobel: *Sigh* I guess I'll go kill some bad guys now. Mom, what kind of bad guys does Aragorn kill? (insert my brief explanation) Oh...I don't have Orncs. Can Aragorn kill dragons? I have a baby dragon. Let's go kill the baby dragon, Aragorn.

They also rode together on the pony Grandma brought from NYC. It's huge. Bel's feet don't touch the ground when she's sitting on it. Aiya.

Isobel's "We killed the Bad Guys" face. Aragorn is victorious. He died shortly after apparently. Arrows to the chest.
And my pic is sideways again. How do I fix this problem?!?!

So. I really don't have anything else to say. My husband is sick with pnuemonia. Between taking care of him and the kids I haven't done anything worthy of blogging about. I knit. And watch Murder, She Wrote. And eat way too much homemade ice cream. Oh, and I made "brownie in a mug." Have you ever done this? It's not the best brownie I've ever eaten (since I don't love brownies it doesn't matter), but for only taking 2 minutes it was great!

Mix together in a coffee mug: 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup flour, pinch of salt, 2 1/2 TBS cocoa powder, 2 TBS oil, 3 TBS water. Microwave 90 seconds. Eat. I topped mine with homemade peach ice cream. Tasty. The brownie recipe link is here.

Now I must go back to taking care of the family. Happy Tuesday everyone! I'm looking forward to seeing my friend tonight for White Collar. Tuesdays are awesome.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

/?!@#%*(&


"If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all..."

That's nice Thumper...that's nice. Always hated the movie Bambi.

My phone is my worst enemy at the moment. Or, actually its the person who calls, but the phone sends me the call. I dread the phone ringing. That ever happen to you?

I can't say who calls (*coughmotherinlawcough*) or what about mostly because I won't be able to say even one nice thing. And you don't need that. Or to know my every thought and feeling about certain people. =) Suffice it to say, my husband is extremely hurt and angry at his mother and has every reason in the world to feel so. As his wife I am hurt for him, but also feel completely useless. What can I do? Nothing. Butting in would make things worse for everyone. Sitting in the sidelines of a fight while your most loved person in the world is in the ring is hard.

Anyway...

To celebrate my younger brother's orientation for his new job (!) I am making this recipe. from the blog "Return to Sunday Supper." We love shrimp. We love spicy food. And we really love warm crusty bread to mop up yummy sauces... Since I've never made this recipe before I cannot say for certain that it's amazing and you should try it. But it does smell amazing... 

I am also making homemade strawberry ice cream for dessert. If the recipe turns out well I'll have to share. Since everything must be completely dairy free for my dietary restrictions ice cream is hard to come by. Before being diagnosed with dairy intolerance, ice cream was my favourite summer treat (and winter treat...if you eat cold foods your body will be cold to match the outdoors and you won't get sick). Now I only get ice cream if I'm willing to shell out $5.99 for one pint of So Delicious brand coconut milk ice cream. It's tasty, but every bite is swallowed with the pain of spending that much money. Then, while shopping at BJs I saw a carton of whole milk lactaid and ice cream was forefront in my brain. So we'll see!

Dinner time. I shall try to bring back good reports.

***UPDATE***

Dinner was amazingly incredible. I mopped up every last drop of the spicy rich sauce and mourned when my tummy was too full to eat more. I predict a battle over who gets the leftovers. This is definitely a make over and over again dish!!! Best shrimp I'm ever had...

Monday, July 9, 2012

Ouch

I threw my back out yesterday. My mother in law is coming in town tomorrow at noon. The house is a wreck. Messy, dusty and dirty. AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  But, because of my back, the weather and her own whatever, she is no longer staying the night or next weekend. Thankful in some ways, but sad for my girls sake. And I threw my back out cleaning her bedroom out for nothing...

In happy news, my hubby and I got our date. We went to see Snow White and the Huntsman. It was fine. As far as epic movies go it was pitifully short on epicness. Epicness, is that a word? Kristen Stewart was Kristen Stewart. Chris Hemsworth was Thor (I loved Thor). Charlize Theron was pretty awesome as the Evil Queen...but after watching Once Upon a Time (twice) she wasn't nearly as amazing as Regina. Loved Once Upon a Time. The back story was so incredible. If you haven't seen it, DO!

Do you have Netflix? We got it a month ago. I'm completely addicted. While my hubby was playing a video game last night I laid on the couch and watched The Women on the 6th Floor. It's a French film. It has subtitles. I love subtitles.

I'll bet you didn't know I like French films. Loved Cryano de Bergerac (with Gerard Depardieu), the above stated film and am greatly looking forward to seeing The War of the Buttons with my brother's girlfriend when it comes out.

This post is rambling and strange...sorry...I'm on pain meds. And can't sit down...only allowed to stand or lie down. Have you ever stood up to type? It's an odd feeling...

When I am no longer in pain I will post something substantial. Lots happened over the weekend that I want to share. But not to type while standing up... 

I didn't forget about you. Wanted you to know.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Bleh

I spent several hours today mentally composing a brilliant blog post for today and now that I have the time to sit and write it the exhaustion from today's activities has sunk in and I am way too tired to even remember what brilliance I was going to share with you.

Long run on sentence. See, I'm tired.

Cleaned for 4 hours straight today. Then came home to a messy dirty house. That's depressing. At least other people get to enjoy cleanliness. Maybe tomorrow my home will join their ranks. But probably not...

Tomorrow my hubby and I are going on a date!!! It's been several weeks since our last date. So excited. It's very needed.

Now I shall enjoy a (large) serving of dump cake and watch an episode of "Lie to Me." Because someday I may need the skill of lying undetectably.

Dump Cake. If you were here, I'd share. Since you're not, I'll have yours...

Thursday, July 5, 2012

A day of rest

Happy 5th of July, my friends.

I'd have said happy fourth, but I was busy baking yesterday.

I made cream scones, and used my favourite cookbook (Traditional Scottish Recipes by Eleanor Cowan) to make Scottish Shortbread (I cheated and dipped an end in dark chocolate). Yum. You need this cookbook if you like cooking and enjoy ethnic food. You can buy this cookbook here. Not only do you get to read interesting facts about Scotland, but you also get to enjoy the intricacies of metric conversions. And you can make Rumbledethumps. Come on, admit you are dying to try something that sounds that awesome (even better, they taste amazing and are EASY to make).

Anyway...

The girls did sparklers this year. Tempe had the time of her life. Isobel was mortally afraid of the sparks. If it hadn't been so pitiful it would have been funny. Oh, who am I kidding. I totally laughed about it after she went to bed. It is nice to see my mostly fearless child actually afraid of something.

Bel shrinking back from her sparkler. Right after this was taken, she dropped it and ran away shrieking


Tempe with her "FIREWORKS!!" Happy girl




Naturally the girls went to bed late. Tempe fell asleep right away, but Bel watched the fireworks from her window for a while. I know this because I check on them. I really wish I'd had the camera on me. Picture this: Tempe sleeps in a trundle bed under the window. Tempe was completely out, dead to the world asleep and her sister was on her knees straddling Tempe's head watching the fireworks out the window. Hysterical. And weird. Bel got back in her own bed and claims to have dreamed of beautiful fireworks all night long...

They are both napping today. I might join them.

What did y'all do for the 4th?

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Keeping Cool


The sprinkler broke yesterday.

Ordinarily this wouldn't be news. Things break all the time. But this came out of the box broken. The Dora the Explorer sprinkler the girls picked out to play with was unwrapped and wouldn't work.

My two girls were already in their bathing suits. They were hot. And if I fed them one more popsicle they'd have collapsed in a sugar coma. (in hindsight a tempting thought...)

Improve time! We watered plants. And the girls. Because they need to be watered to grow tall, don't you know.

Then we filled the 5 gallon home depot bucket and used it as a make shift pool. Tempe was expecially hysterical with it.





Sorry for the sideways photos...for some reason they won't rotate. They aren't that way on the computer!!!

Anyway, they had fun. They kept cool. We ate watermelon. My plants are no longer wilting. Pretty successful, wouldn't you say? The girls are requesting a repeat performance. =) Maybe tomororrow...

Monday, July 2, 2012

Monday

It's Monday. My third cup of coffee for the morning is sitting in front of my as I type. The kids are watching their 6th eipsode of Dora the Explorer for the day, which I justify by claiming they are learning Spanish. Ha.

I actually put on make-up today to hide the dark under eye circles. I'm also wearing earrings. Another thing that rarely happens. The attitude of "why bother" is something I'm trying to change. I am home with the kids all day and rarely go out to more than Publix but it is nice to feel all put together.


Yes, I am actually that pale. No, I am not a vampire. Although rare steak is tasty...

So, this weekend was actually productive. In the personal crafty sense, not the "cleaning out the room in preparation for the in law visit in one week" sense. Trying not to think about that. Anyway, I caught up on Etsy updating, uploaded pics from the camera, painted the girl's fingernails, made coconut candy, knit, and watched way too much White Collar. Oh yeah, also read a couple books. See? Fun productivity.


These are dark chocolate covered coconut candy. They may not look pretty, but boy do they taste awesome! Isobel and I whipped them up and were enjoying them in less than 30 minutes. Fortunately I had everything in the pantry and didn't even need to leave the air conditioning! Score!

Dark Chocolate Coconut Candy (homemade Mounds)

2 cups shredded coconut
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (or, if you are like me and cannot consume dairy use a splash of dairy free milk and 1/4 cup light corn syrup)

Stir together until combined. Sample to ensure it wasn't poisoned. Sample again just to be sure...
Using a small cookie dough baller scoop the coconut onto a waxed paper lined cookie sheet. Chill while you make the chocolate.

2 cups dark chocolate chips
2 TBS shortening

Melt together in a small pot over low heat until smooth. Take off heat. Using a fork, drop the coconut balls into the chocolate to cover then place back onto the waxed paper until all are done. Freeze 5-10 minutes. Enjoy!

If any instructions don't make sense, I blame Monday. Too much coffee makes my hands shake.

Off to BJs. This morning depleted my coffee stash.

Friday, June 29, 2012

Mantra for the Day: It's OK!!!

I really didn't mean to rhyme that.

Today I've been reminding myself that "It's OK" no matter what is happening in life right now. Thought I'd share some with you. Some are serious, some are silly. But that is me. I have a hard time being serious for more than just a few minutes unless its really important.

It's OK that it is SO hot outside (currently 102+), because we have a working air conditioner. And popsicles. Lots of popsicles.

It's OK that the house is a mess and I have company coming for dinner. Last night I finished knitting two scarves and watched many episodes of White Collar. So I was productive and had fun too!

It's OK that I have dark circles under my eyes from too little sleep. Black is a good colour on me. I may even go goth.

It's OK that my hubby is sick with bronchitus. He'll live.

It's OK that I made cinnamon rolls twice this week. I still managed to lose 4lbs. Maybe I can start my own diet... The Caitie Khan Cinnamon Roll Diet....hmm...I'll work on it.

It's OK that Herbert the Mouse is still living under my bathroom sink. He is a quiet roommate. And he will soon die. As soon as I actually remember to buy and set traps...

It's OK that my kids are doing nothing today (and probably nothing else all weekend) but watch TV.

It's OK that I am suffering hair loss. So far it isn't so much that anyone (but me) would notice. Probably stress. But the doctors aren't quite sure. Hard to avoid stress when you're stressing about losing hair... I just get to enjoy a new haircut soon. I love haircuts.

It's OK that I spent $200 on groceries, etc today. Much of what I bought is for my freezer. But boy did handing that over feel painful...

It's All OK!!! I bought a Michael Buble CD today. =)



The kids watching TV. Isobel was not thrilled with my photo interuption. I liked the interuption. It meant that "Go, Diego GO!" was paused. Anyone else find that show really annoying?

This is my new apricot tree. She hates the heat. I might buy a giant beach umbrella for her. Doesn't she look pitifully wilty?