Use-it-up bread pudding part two

It's awesome! The house smells amazing. I'm looking forward to serving it up tomorrow with some tangerine cream sauce! (Yes, I have a bunch of tangerines to use up, but I've seen an authentic recipe that I already have all of the ingredients for!)

If you have any use-it-up recipes that have been a success, leave a comment below and tell us how it went :-)

Use-it-up bread pudding

It's 9.45pm and I've just made a use-it-up bread pudding. The loaf in the bread bin was going stale and I didn't want to waste it - particularly as the holidays are approaching and things are getting tight!

So here's what I used:

Half a loaf of wholewheat bread
2/3 cup of demerera sugar
the last of the vanilla extract that was in the bottle
an excessive sprinkling of nutmeg (I LOVE nutmeg)
2 cups of semi-skimmed milk (It's all we drink and I don't have any cream)
1.5 cups of raisins
1 cinnamon stick
1/4 cup of butter
3 eggs

Here's what i did:

Pre-heated oven to 350.

Warmed up milk and added butter and cinnamon stick. Left it to simmer for 2 mins.

Mixed vanilla, eggs, nutmeg and sugar together vigorously for at least a minute. Then slowly, after removing the cinnamon stick, I added the milk.

Cut bread into triangles (Like my nan used to) and placed strategically around a grease Pyrex dish, layering in some raisins along the way.

After my last layer of raisins, I poured the milk-custard concoction over the bread. It's now in the oven for 45 mins. . .

My Nan Brown would be horrified if she were reading this right now! Still, I shall update you on how it went when it finally comes out of the oven.

H1N1

I can't believe how long it's been since I've posted here. I've been horribly ill with the flu and as you can imagine - at 6 months pregnant it's been rough. Thankfully, I'm back on my feet again, ready to take on the world.

In order to make sure that people are aware of the flu symptoms and how they can be managed, I've written a couple of articles that you may find useful:

http://www.examiner.com/x-20546-Hartford-Early-Childhood-Parenting-Examiner~y2009m11d10-Cleaning-up-after-flu--making-sure-your-home-is-germfree

http://www.examiner.com/x-20546-Hartford-Early-Childhood-Parenting-Examiner~y2009m11d7-Signs-and-symptoms--of-H1N1-and-when-to-seek-medical--help

http://www.examiner.com/x-20546-Hartford-Early-Childhood-Parenting-Examiner~y2009m11d4-Current-H1N1-flu-clinics-in-your-area

I hope you find these useful. It's important to get as much information out there in regards to the flu, even if we've read it a million times. I wouldn't wish the symptoms I had upon my worst enemy (not that I have any!) especially if they were pregnant and trying to take care of an 18 month old.

Chocolate Fudge Brownies

I made brownies this morning, as soon as I got up. What is happening to me?!

I also have this strange need to beach the house from top to bottom. Can anyone explain what is going on here?

Help! I'm nesting and it's driving me crazy! I actually lost sleep last night thinking about the roasted red pepper soup and grilled cheese sandwiches that I'm making for dinner tonight. Is there a cure for this?

Sunday Roast

I made my family a Sunday roast for lunch today. It's been a long time since we've had one and in the UK it's kind of a tradition. The whole house smelled yummy, but I couldn't help but feel that my family members weren't here to enjoy it with us. I forgot the gravy and I miss bread pudding terribly.

But I think over the Fall and the Winter it's going to be a weekly occurrence - we all sit down on a Sunday and eat a roast. I love family traditions. Now that I have my own children I want them to have their own traditions and memories that make them feel warm and happy. It's been a long time since my family back home and I have practiced out traditions, like leaving milk and mince pies for Santa (we also used to leave a bowl of water out for him to wash his hands with after coming down the chimney, and a bowl of dog food outside for the reindeer!) but I'll remember them always.

I hope in twenty years from now my babies remember our family time around the dinner table and our holiday traditions, and look back on them with a smile.

The life of a 'work at home mom'.

It's been a long week. The Dude had music class and toddler class, we've taken a tour of daycare (he's going once a week so I can focus on my work now that things are picking up) and we've been to the library, the pediatrician, and the store - Several times.

On top of that, I've been trying to publish an article or two every day, have applied for a couple of jobs and eaten a lot of food - at least every 30 minutes! I feel like I've accomplished a lot in 5 days. Yet, the house still looks like a wreck. In fact, as I type, I'm waiting for the washing machine to finish so I can put the last load on. When did life become so fast-paced? Why do we feel like we have to cram so much into one day?

I've written an article about Fall leaves games and crafts today. I'm ever so proud of it! Check it out and tell me what you think. http://www.examiner.com/x-20546-Hartford-Early-Childhood-Parenting-Examiner~y2009m10d10-Fall-leaves-play-and-craft-ideas

Do you have any games or crafts you like to do with your kids that relate to the Fall season? If so, please drop me a line by posting a comment below. I love to hear from you!

Career defining moment!

I am so happy right now it's ridiculous!

When I first went into freelance writing, my son was 4 months old and I was a total wreck where organization was concerned. I knew I wanted to get into publishing - my dream is to work for a publishing house some day, but I had no idea where to start.

So, I trawled through the pages of Amazon.com and read every editorial review going about starting a freelance career. That's when I came across 'The Writer Mama' by Christina Katz. It's broken down into easy-to-follow sections with a task at the end of each chapter - which is the best way for me to learn. She also gives practical advice on how to juggle Motherhood with a writer career - something I was in desperate need of.

So I bought it, loved it and signed up to her E-zine. It's become my writing bible.

I didn't realize that Christina is on Twitter until today when I read through my copy of her newsletter, so I decided to follow since I find her advice invaluable. Guess what though - she is now following me back! I have said that I will write an Amazon review for her - I promise I will, but I'm too star-struck for words right now.

It definitely feels like a defining moment in my whole writing career so far; like I've finally 'made' it. I feel like she's been a huge help every step of the way through her writing, but I'm so glad I've finally been able to thank her. I'm so looking forward to taking one of her classes and I hope she likes the Amazon review!

Home-Made Birthday Cards

The Dude has been making home-made birthday cards. We went to the craft store and purchased some blank cards, crayons, finger paints and glitter glue pens. Sure, he's only 18 months old, but that doesn't mean he's not artistic.

Only one problem. He doesn't stop when the paper runs out. This evening I have had to purchase a product called 'Goo be gone' and have sprayed it on just about every surface available in my home. Honestly - I love the stuff. It's a little greasy, but it removes crayon from walls faster than you can say Crayola!

Am I worried about future scribblings? No. I'm not saying I'm happy about the drawing on walls and doors, but at the end of the day, the stuff comes off. Now if there were only a product that helped to erase minor annoyances!

The television

I've recently been inspired by a blog called Unplugyourkids.com. It encourages parents to limit the amount of television your children watch on a regular basis. I admit, sometimes it's all too easy to pop the Dude in front of the TV while i get cracking on some housework or my freelance work. But recently I've been feeling that by encouraging this behavior, he's missing out on learning opportunities.

So, this week I am going cold-turkey. Completely unplugged. No cartoons, just Mommy and Dude time. Crafts, baking, playing in the yard, going to the library. Stay tuned as it were, I'm sure this is going to be an interesting experience!

Pork chop recipe part two

It went very well. I'll definitely be making that again. We ate it with mashed potatoes and mixed veggies. Yum!

I should probably tell you though that my Hubby doesn't eat mustard and the recipe calls for Dijon. So as with most recipes that call for mustard, I didn't tell him. Usually he eats said dinner and compliments the meal, without noticing it's there. This time however, he caught me putting it in the pot. Still, I managed to convince him to try it and he even ate what I couldn't finish. Obviously if he were allergic I wouldn't dream of being so devious! I won't be trying that trick for a little while though. . .

Pork chop recipe part 1

Here is what we're having for dinner tonight - shall let you know how it goes. . .

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/eating-well/pork-chops-with-apples-thyme-recipe

Pasta Bake

It's been a tiring day. My baby brother turned 21 today (so I guess he's not really a baby any more!)which still hit me like I'd been struck by lightening, even though I've seen it coming for the last year. I'm very sad that I couldn't be there with him to help him celebrate his special day, but he's always in my heart and he'll always be my baby no matter how old he is. Even when he drives me nuts!

So, in order to help relieve the unbearable guilt I've been carrying around today, I went shopping. That's right folks, shopping. I bought Baby Girl bedding for her crib, some winter clothes for when she finally arrives, some clothes and a bunch of craft stuff for the Little Dude, and Christmas presents. Yep, I said it - Christmas presents.

The Dude and I are making home-made gifts to send back to family in the UK this year. It's far more personal with greater meaning behind it than anything that money can buy. So, I figured I need enough time to make them as well as mail them back home. 2 months should be plenty!

This meant that the last thing I wanted to do when I got home was to cook dinner, so I made my quick-fix pasta bake. The beauty of it is that you can add any veggies you want like peppers or zucchini (courgettes), but tonight we just had basic-style. Here's the recipe:

2 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 can crushed tomatoes
1 small onion, finely chopped
a palm-full of Italian seasoning
1 box dried pasta (I used rotini)
half a bag of frozen meatballs
1 ball mozzarella cheese
cooking spray
Pyrex dish or similar

Heat oven to 425.

Cook pasta according to instructions.

While pasta is on, gently cook onions and garlic until onions are transparent. Add meatballs, tomatoes and seasoning. Simmer for 7-8 mins.

Mix pasta and sauce together. Spray Pyrex dish and add pasta mixture.

Top with mozzarella cheese and bake for 15 mins until cheese has melted and is bubbling.

Serve with salad.

Japanese Stir-fry recipe

This is what Hubby and I had for dinner. The original recipe came from Rachael Ray, but I've adapted it to make sure evrybody in the family gets something they like. It really is easy and takes only minutes to prepair.

Next to some of the ingredients you'll see brackets. I've done this so my British audience can follow along at home!

You'll need:

3 crushed garlic cloves,
1 small tsp of freshly grated ginger
Japanese soba noodles
2 handfulls of mung beans (bean sprouts)
1 bunch of thinly chopped scallions(spring onions)
Half a packet of frozen, shelled edamame (soy beans)thawed
1 packet of pre-cooked chicken strips
Dried parsley flakes
Dried basil flakes
Soy sauce
Hoisin sauce
1 tbsp Sesame oil

Cook the noodles according to the packet instructions.

While the noodles are on, warm up the oil in a large skillet (frying pan) and add the scallions, garlic, edemame,mung beans, ginger and chicken. Cook for about 5-7 mins, until the chicken has warmed through.

Add the parsley and basil flakes, a good glug of soy sauce and hoisin sauce and let cook for another 5-7 mins.

Drain the noodles and stir into the skillet. Serve in warm bowls.

Other blogs to check out

If you like this blog, please take a look at some of my inspiration by clicking on the blog-titles to the right of my postings.

Julie Powell's blog is definately up there with the 'greats' (I loved Julie and Julia by the way, I can't wait to go see it again with Jo Jo and Dot!)

If there are any blogs that you think I should take a look at, drop me a line and let me know by posting a comment or two. I love hearing from my readers :-)

Victoria .x.

Weekend

I had a great weekend. While I didn't get round to any baking, I did build a toy kitchen for the Little Dude. He's been making us all french toast and tea - must get the domestic side of things from his Dad!

Saturday was a major housework marathon, as I had guests staying on Saturday night. Sunday however, Hubby, Dude and I spent most of the day in our PJs watching TV and snuggling on the sofa and at the request of my Husband, went out for dinner.

Today is a different story entirely. Music classes for the Dude this morning, working during the day and Girl Scouts in the evening. Japanese noodles for dinner. Thing is, I don't have a clue how life became so hectic!

Routine

I really don't like getting out of bed. My pillow and I are a match made in heaven (Obviously my Hubby comes first) and I miss my bed terribly when I'm not in it. However, knowing that at some point I'd have to learn to get up at a reasonable hour and create a routine, I decided that this morning was as good a time as any to start.

7am and I'm trying to pull myself away from the duvet. It's like a magnetic force that pulls me onto the matress and I feel like I'm trying to defy gravity. Eventually the dog got fed up of watching me trying to haul my pregnant ass out of bed and decided to lick my feet as an extra incentive to get me up. Ewww.

I was showered, dressed and ready by 7.30am. But, on the one single day I decide to get up before my son wakes me, he decides to sleep in late. Until 8.40am! Brilliant.

By 11am I felt like I'd already run a marathon. We'd been to our toddler class and run around like mad things. Was Little Dude tired? Not in the slightest. Mommy however, was as we say back in the UK - knackered.

Still, I've made it through the day. Admittedly, when Hubby got home from work I went and had a little nap to recharge my batteries. But that's OK - I'm pregnant for crying out loud!

We'll get there soon enough. I'm just glad that I'm finally able to start my mission. Who knows, tomorrow I might even get baking. . .

Burger King

Yesterday probably wasn't the best day to start my mission. My Little Dude has an ear infection and two molars coming in ALL ON THE SAME DAMN SIDE and I have a stinking head cold. Perfect. To top it off, the dogs had a good go at destroying the living room and barking the neighbourhood away all the live-long day. I couldn't wait to go back to bed.

I did do 3 loads of laundry though, returned my library books (and took out new ones, one of which is titled 'Bad Mother' and is supposed to make me realise that I'm not. . .) and tidied up a little. For dinner, we had Burger King. Argh.

What's on the menu for today? Who knows. Little Dude has a toddler class this morning - don't panic, I'm feeling miles better than I did yesterday, and I have to pick up the dry-cleaning. Oh, and change the bed covers and do a little grocery shopping. My god, housework is so bloody dull!

Introduction

I've never enjoyed housework. I've only just learned to cook and even now, I can't bake to save my life. I'm a Mom of one and a bit, loving wife, dog owner and writer. I am not however, a natural home-maker.

This is where this blog comes in. After much deliberation and nagging from close friends and family members, I have decided that now is the time to try and make more of an effort. That's right - goodbye take-out menus, hello recipe books. See ya later untidy house (I should mention that it is clean, just a little messy in places), hello immaculate home.

Here's the mission - to attempt to learn how to be this generation's Martha Stewart and blog about my journey once a day. Every day, I will try a new recipe, craft, parenting or home-making technique and let the world know of my effort to keep house. I can't guarantee that I'll get it right every time, but hey - that's the beauty of this blog. I'm sure there will be plenty of laughter, messes and successes.

So without further ado, please welcome onto the page - The Home Fairy!