I love having an infant in the house. She's now smiling, laughing and babbling away to anybody who will listen. She's trying desperately to roll over and has started playing with toys that are handed to her.
I never realized how much fun these milestones are. When my son was going through the same steps, it blew my mind. But I was so much more focused on making sure he was hitting the target, rather than enjoying the ride.
But it made me think hard about the milestones that I've still yet to hit. My parents still worry about me on a daily basis, almost as much as I worry about my own kids. I never thought to ask them how they felt about me having children and them becoming grandparents. How did it make them feel? Or rather, how do they feel? What were their first thoughts when I decided to relocate to the US? How do they feel about my writing career? What crossed their minds when I bought my very own house?
Parenting is way more than just first steps, teething, pre-school, graduation and driving. It's a life-times worth of work. Even now, my parents are guiding me through the decisions I make as an adult - as a mother. Kids may grow-up so fast, but the love we have for them just grows. Period.
Showing posts with label Home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home. Show all posts
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Make-ahead meat sauce
As you can probably guess, I've been a little busy recently and to be honest, house work has not been at the top of my priority list. (Although to be fair, it hasn't ranked very high before now!) So yesterday, in an attempt to bring some control over my crazed schedule, I made tonight and tomorrow night's dinner, last night.
That's right folks. I made a massive batch of turkey bolognaise so tonight we'll have that with pasta and tomorrow night I'll turn it into a chili by throwing some black beans, some frozen corn and some cayenne pepper into the mix and topping it with disgusting amounts of cheese, because lets face it, life tastes better with cheese. And butter. Ooh, and milk. Mmm. And chocolate. I seem to be getting off track here. . .
So, here is the recipe for my turkey bolognaise:
3 cloves of garlic, crushed
3lbs of ground turkey
2 carrots, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (can you tell I'm trying to get the dude to eat veggies?)
1 jar pasta sauce
1 red onion, finely chopped
salt and pepper
Italian Seasoning
Saute the onions until transparent. Add garlic and cook until starting to turn golden. Brown off meat, then add carrots, pepper and pasta sauce. Cook for roughly
15 minutes then add seasoning. Cook for another 8-10 minutes. Either serve over pasta or store until you're ready to eat it.
Top tip: I saw this on the Rachael Ray show - use a potato masher to break up the meat. It makes it good and fine!
That's right folks. I made a massive batch of turkey bolognaise so tonight we'll have that with pasta and tomorrow night I'll turn it into a chili by throwing some black beans, some frozen corn and some cayenne pepper into the mix and topping it with disgusting amounts of cheese, because lets face it, life tastes better with cheese. And butter. Ooh, and milk. Mmm. And chocolate. I seem to be getting off track here. . .
So, here is the recipe for my turkey bolognaise:
3 cloves of garlic, crushed
3lbs of ground turkey
2 carrots, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (can you tell I'm trying to get the dude to eat veggies?)
1 jar pasta sauce
1 red onion, finely chopped
salt and pepper
Italian Seasoning
Saute the onions until transparent. Add garlic and cook until starting to turn golden. Brown off meat, then add carrots, pepper and pasta sauce. Cook for roughly
15 minutes then add seasoning. Cook for another 8-10 minutes. Either serve over pasta or store until you're ready to eat it.
Top tip: I saw this on the Rachael Ray show - use a potato masher to break up the meat. It makes it good and fine!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Baby Scott
I would like to introduce you to the latest addition to our family - Baby Girl Scott. She was born on January 21st and weighed in at 6lbs 10oz. She's absolutely gorgeous and I'm completely smitten.
Life has been totally chaotic to say the least, but I wouldn't want it any other way. The Dude (aka Big Brother Scott) is awesome with her, even when she is screaming her little lungs out.
The house looks like a complete disaster, but as long as there is a path around the clutter, we're good to go. (Anyone out there who has more than two kids, a clean home and some resemblance of organization - PLEASE, you have to teach me how to do it!)
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Etsy
I have recently discovered a fabulous website: Etsy.com. The only problem is, I want to purchase everything I see!
I am a huge fan of homemade items, for several reasons. Mainly because the items are one of a kind, but also because I feel like I'm supporting those out there trying to make a living making their products with love and feeling.
So, I bought the little chick (for when she eventually decides to put in an appearance) some onesies that have been decorated especially, some birthday and valentines gifts for friends and family and a necklace. My best purchase is a bag of handmade fish shapes with numbers on them to help the Dude learn to count. It's his favorite toy when he's not playing with Thomas! But more than purchasing the products, I love browsing and adding shops to my favorites. I love looking at items and thinking 'Wouldn't that be an awesome birthday gift for ...'
So if you get a chance, have a little look on Etsy.
I am a huge fan of homemade items, for several reasons. Mainly because the items are one of a kind, but also because I feel like I'm supporting those out there trying to make a living making their products with love and feeling.
So, I bought the little chick (for when she eventually decides to put in an appearance) some onesies that have been decorated especially, some birthday and valentines gifts for friends and family and a necklace. My best purchase is a bag of handmade fish shapes with numbers on them to help the Dude learn to count. It's his favorite toy when he's not playing with Thomas! But more than purchasing the products, I love browsing and adding shops to my favorites. I love looking at items and thinking 'Wouldn't that be an awesome birthday gift for ...'
So if you get a chance, have a little look on Etsy.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Philadelphia cream cheese
I love cream cheese. It doesn't last more than 5 minutes in this house. The Dude loves it too, especially on bagels.
He doesn't eat meat though. Well actually that's not true - he mostly doesn't eat meat. Occasionally he'll eat a chicken nugget or two. So imagine my surprise when he ate the meat sauce on his pasta at dinner! The solution - I mixed in cream cheese as I was cooking the sauce.
It was a recipe I found on Rachael Ray's website. Brown off the ground beef, stir in tomato sauce such as Ragu (I made my own) and melt in half a block of cream cheese before stirring in pasta. Top with Parmesan if desired. It was yummy and the best part of it is that it took 15 minutes to make!
So there you have it folks, if in doubt add cream cheese.
He doesn't eat meat though. Well actually that's not true - he mostly doesn't eat meat. Occasionally he'll eat a chicken nugget or two. So imagine my surprise when he ate the meat sauce on his pasta at dinner! The solution - I mixed in cream cheese as I was cooking the sauce.
It was a recipe I found on Rachael Ray's website. Brown off the ground beef, stir in tomato sauce such as Ragu (I made my own) and melt in half a block of cream cheese before stirring in pasta. Top with Parmesan if desired. It was yummy and the best part of it is that it took 15 minutes to make!
So there you have it folks, if in doubt add cream cheese.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
BJs Wholesale Club
I really don't like grocery shopping. I love food, but buying it can be a nightmare. So when we finally ran out of food in the pantry yesterday, I had to really psyche myself up to go out to BJs and do a food shop.
However, what we bought really made my day. A 3lb pork tenderloin that will last us two dinners and my hubby's lunch on Monday only cost $14. I usually spend that on way less at my regular grocery store. The meat is in the slow cooker as we speak, marinading in root beer (I found an awesome recipe on-line yesterday for pulled pork) ready to be shredded, mixed with BBQ sauce and put in sandwiches, served with home made mashed potatoes and veggies. Mmmm. I'm so hungry!
Then we bought 2lbs of stewing steak. That went in the crock pot last night and made an awesome casserole, which is now living in the freezer ready for when the baby arrives. That little lot came to roughly $12 and again will get us through two meals. What a bargin!
Lastly, 2lbs of ground beef will make enough spaghetti bolognaise to sink a battleship.
Being frugal is definitely the way to go, especially in the current economic climate. But it doesn't mean that your family meals have to suffer. If you have enough space in your freezer, there are plenty of yummy recipes out there for make-ahead meals that you can freeze until you need them. (Which in my case is most of the time!)
If you have a wholesale club in your area such as BJs or Costco that you can join, it's definitely an investment worth making. And they sell more than just mammoth amounts of meat! We buy all of our diapers, wipes, cleaning products and toiletries in the large quantities, because in the long-run, it saves us money. (And we even get coupons in the mail!)
However, what we bought really made my day. A 3lb pork tenderloin that will last us two dinners and my hubby's lunch on Monday only cost $14. I usually spend that on way less at my regular grocery store. The meat is in the slow cooker as we speak, marinading in root beer (I found an awesome recipe on-line yesterday for pulled pork) ready to be shredded, mixed with BBQ sauce and put in sandwiches, served with home made mashed potatoes and veggies. Mmmm. I'm so hungry!
Then we bought 2lbs of stewing steak. That went in the crock pot last night and made an awesome casserole, which is now living in the freezer ready for when the baby arrives. That little lot came to roughly $12 and again will get us through two meals. What a bargin!
Lastly, 2lbs of ground beef will make enough spaghetti bolognaise to sink a battleship.
Being frugal is definitely the way to go, especially in the current economic climate. But it doesn't mean that your family meals have to suffer. If you have enough space in your freezer, there are plenty of yummy recipes out there for make-ahead meals that you can freeze until you need them. (Which in my case is most of the time!)
If you have a wholesale club in your area such as BJs or Costco that you can join, it's definitely an investment worth making. And they sell more than just mammoth amounts of meat! We buy all of our diapers, wipes, cleaning products and toiletries in the large quantities, because in the long-run, it saves us money. (And we even get coupons in the mail!)
Friday, January 1, 2010
Nesting and pregnancy
I feel as though I have neglected this blog over the last few weeks. The truth is I haven't been able to do anything worth blogging about! Not surprisingly, I went into preterm labor and have ended up on bed rest. Which to most people would probably sound like heaven, but I have a nesting instinct so powerful that I'm going out of my mind, and worse still, I can't satisfy it. My husband has been nesting for me.
The pantry has been re-arranged, the house scrubbed from top to bottom and the closets tidied. Dinners have been cooked and laundry has been done, but I am ashamed to say not by me. And he's done a better job of it.
Still, by the end I'll have a beautiful baby girl as well as my handsome little dude and my family will be subjected to my somewhat chaotic housekeeping methods once more. I just hope it's sooner rather than later, I'm going out of my mind.
The pantry has been re-arranged, the house scrubbed from top to bottom and the closets tidied. Dinners have been cooked and laundry has been done, but I am ashamed to say not by me. And he's done a better job of it.
Still, by the end I'll have a beautiful baby girl as well as my handsome little dude and my family will be subjected to my somewhat chaotic housekeeping methods once more. I just hope it's sooner rather than later, I'm going out of my mind.
Friday, December 4, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, October 12, 2009
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?
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, October 11, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
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!
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!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
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!
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!
Monday, October 5, 2009
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!
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!
Monday, September 28, 2009
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!
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!
Friday, September 25, 2009
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. . .
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!
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!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
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!
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!
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