Seasons

It is definitely fall, Internet. The season I am named for, and a season of change. My favorite season, with holidays just around the corner. I am a sucker for the leaves turning and falling, and then the kids' laughter when they jump into the piles of muted reds, oranges and yellows. It makes me smile, the crisp air and evenings made for stews and soups, chili and warm tea.

It's been quiet, which I'm not complaining about. I'm also not counting on it staying quiet, because as soon as I relax, everything changes. But it has been a really peaceful week here, and it drives home to me that this is how it should be. Peaceful and calm, no eggshells and no bombshells. Like I said, though, it won't last- things will need to go on, I suppose. It's what I do with that, for my kids and myself, that I wrestle with. I feel how I do for a reason, and nothing is changing that- only strengthening it.

Keep an eye on my other blog for some yummy, hearty recipes coming soon... the cook in me has been slaving without sharing, and that's going to change! :) There are quite a few stew-soup recipes I'm working on, and recipes guaranteed to make your kids enjoy some veggies if they're picky like mine. So, keep your eyes peeled... and for now, enjoy the fall! Grab a cozy quilt, some hot tea or a glass of wine, and snuggle in. It's good for the soul!

Everything, Nothing and In Between

I am interrupting the beginning of our regularly scheduled (ok, sporadically, when you least expect it, cause I'm too cool for schedules, if "cool" means held hostage by snowed in children) post to mention that today, I am filled with hope. There is change on the way for our country, hopefully positive. I feel it will be, but I'm not in the business of guaranteeing people will follow promises with action. Cause, seriously? My radar with that is sometimes waaaay off. But, I feel somewhat renewed. Whether you agree or not, like it or not, we did make some history with this election. I feel the right choice was made, I think that President Obama is the face of hope for a lot of people. To me it isn't about race, it's about the best person for a job. But, I do feel that by winning the election, Obama sends another message of hope to this country- anything can happen. In other words- "Yes, we can." Let's see what we take from this, and do with it. If we want change, we have to make change, too.

A change I'd like to make? To see some green outside. this white crap is killing me. When it's not in single digits, or negatives (which has just been so much fun!!!-do you hear the sarcasm? cause it's not dripping, it's oozing) it's snowing. When it's not snowing, it's a glare of ice. Today is the first day back to school with no delays, and it's snowing. I am shaking my head, squeezing my eyes shut and wishing for a beach somewhere.

But, I can wish for beaches all day long. Not happening. I will deal with this weather the way I have been (no, not by drinking! Why would you say such a thing?.....), and somehow survive the cabin fever without listening to that inner voice that pops up and says "THAT'S why Jack Torrance went crazy on his family...."

I have been cooking and baking a lot lately. Playing around with some recipes and adjusting them to be more versatile, more picky person friendly, and just mine. Mine in the way that whenever my kids eat it, they'll remember just how good their mom's such-and such tasted. I've made muffins, cookies, chicken parmesan, burger dip, lasagna, my knock off stroganoff, chili mac, my sloppy Joe, tuna noodle, and drinks that can be made virgin for the kiddos and add a little something extra for the adults to give some extra warmth. I've been busy. I've also been mixing and matching candle scents to make my own blend for my candle warmer. Basically, my house is always warm, filled with food and smelling yummy. I'm losing the "not so" part of my title here, people. Winter is domesticating me in ways I've never been domesticated before. I'm afraid, Internet. Hold me.

I started out doing it to prove a point, I think. That I **could** try new recipes and ideas without that stupid fear of failure. And I was GOOD at it- my kids enjoyed every single thing. even Alyssa, who is so picky I want to scream sometimes. The kid hates peanut butter. And pizza. And eight hundred other things. They liked the sandwiches I made up as I went, the casseroles and new meatballs and burgers... and I liked that for every new thing they tried, one more fast fix went out the door. You know you've spoiled them when your toddler turns her nose up at spaghetti-o's, and opts for your own pasta. Especially when spaghetti-o's were her favorite food. Heehee.

I'm enjoying this domesticity and that's weird! I've never really BEEN that way before- I mean, i cook, clean, all that good stuff, but there's been so much negative stuff that kept me from really trying to enjoy myself, in whatever I was doing. I've never truly taken pleasure out of creating things, because there was always something keeping me from really letting loose and just going wild with it.

I'm telling you- life really does begin at thirty. Because now I DO go wild with it, whatever it happens to be. And I figure it someone doesn't like it, they can kiss my ass and go on their way. Never thought of it that way before. Now that I do, it's a lot more fun! It makes for an easier day, I'll say that much. You worry soooo much less when you realize that no one, outside your own four walls, has an opinion that can make or break you. Even more when you realize that no one in those four walls does, either.

I've spent a lot of time cracking my own shell, and now I think it's finally just busted open and someone brand new has stepped out. It does make people look at you differently, having a confidence in yourself, a better posture, a better outlook. And it FEELS so much better. I'm a better person than I've been in a long, long time. and that makes me a better mom. I'll take it.... and accept the casualties that come with it. Sometimes, there's just no other way. Sometimes, there are no more roads left, and it has to be a brand new direction.

Anyway....

If you like to cook, bake, or just have the option, you should check out Tastebook. they have a really awesome selection iof recipes, you can make your own books, add photos, etc... there are a lot of options over there. I've got four little books started already, LOL. It's addiciting!

What about you, Internet? Favorite dishes? Faves you cook or someone cooks/has cooked for you? Things your family can't live without?

Christmasy

Happy weekend, Internet! What's new?

Well, the house is decked out, the Christmas lights are on, and it's snowing outside. I'm making a stew pot of my taco goulash (which is my own recipe, and not traditional goulash... but oh, so hearty, spicy and yummy!) for dinner and decorating the kids' area with their tree and lights. We spread the Christmas out here at Casa Diva- that's what keeps the fun and excitement building, for all of us.

We're Christmasy. The house smells like gingerbread and cranberries, the recipes and ingredients lists are out and slowly being added to, taken off. The girls and I are baking cookies and other Christmas goodies next weekend with friends- I'm in my element right now. I'm in such a good mood it's sickening. But hey- it's Christmas!

I'm Christmas crazy, what can I say? I'm all about the tinsel, lights, smells and tradition. It's warm, it's cozy, it's familiar. It's something to look forward to- a season of curling up with family and friends, sharing recipes, traditions... building your own. That's what I love most of all, making the traditions that will be looked forward to, counted on, laughed about and remembered. Making traditions that my kids will hopefully take with them, adjust and blend into their own.

I may delve into the recipe archive I'm growing over here and start posting some favorites. I can't spill any family secrets, mind you, but I can toss out some yummies nonetheless.

Right now, I'm off to get my goulash simmering. Easiest recipe in the world, but tastes like you cooked all day- my favorite kind. And versatile! I do chili goulash, taco goulash, sloppy Joe goulash, Italian goulash... it never ends. Add in some rolls or warm bread- absolute heaven!

Now go enjoy your weekend! Be safe, warm and happy- don't do anything I wouldn't do (or a lot of what I would, for that matter!) and RELAX!!! It's Christmas- take a break! So, get outta here... go have some Christmas cookies!

And It's Time For A Change...

Even if it's just my blog colors, it's time for a change. The white was just killing me- too stark, too plain. Too unlike me, my family, or even my blog. I prefer not to go neon anything (more like me, my family, perhaps my blog...) so a nice spring-summer creamy yellow worked out. For today. :)

I thought, for a change, I'd ask all of YOU to do something fun- post your favorite recipes in the comments section. Just for something different. It can be a dessert, main course, any meal, snack, holiday dish, seasonal.... that's up to you guys. Anything you can't live without? Anything that has saved dinner time, or your kid's finicky attitudes? I am CONSTANTLY on the look out for recipes my picky eaters (hubby is the pickiest of all) will eat. And in turn, I'll devote a week (maybe more!) to different recipes I come across that look (or are) yummy, easy and fun!

OK, bloggers- have at it!

Bam! There Ya Have It!

Jake has decided to be a chef. Specifically, he wants to be Emeril Lagasse. I'm sure it has nothing to do with me being nuts over Food Network, or Jake having watched Emeril since he was a year old. But he's got the routine down, man. He hums when we stir or add seasoning. He sends us off with promising "Another notch!!!" And of course, "Bam! there ya have it." It's funny to watch, but kind of cool to think that something I watched for so long has had that sort of impact. There's very little that Jake will latch onto for long- but he wants to cook, to entertain and to be just like Emeril. Aw yeah babe's and all!

So watch out world! Here comes the next Food Network chef!