Garden Herb Bread

You know what’s funny?

I seem to bake less bread in the cold winter than I do in the hot summer.

I think it’s because I grill burgers a lot in the summer and like to experiment with bun recipes and in the winter I just eat a ton of bread and go into carb overload, which is not “get into my skinny jeans” friendly.

Side note: I hate having to lose weight.  Boo.

Even so, I decided to make this gorgeous (and delicious) garden herb bread the other day.  What can I say?  I needed a carb overload!

Angel Wings Wednesday #4

“I am content; that is a blessing greater than riches; and he to whom that is given need ask no more.” 
― Henry Fielding

This Sunday, March 9, would have been Sarah’s due date.

I had originally thought that this week out be a “trigger” week for me, since I should have been having my baby.

But instead, I’m in a surprisingly good place.

I think the feeling of peace is twofold. Well, three, the grace of God most definitely plays a huge role.  I’m thankful each and every day that I have my faith to carry me through this tragedy.

Roaring 20's Party

When my husband & I turned 30 last year (have I mentioned before that our birthdays are only 5 days apart?), we threw ourselves a combined Murder Mystery party.

I started out by buying the Murder at the Juice Joint party, and set out to inviting friends and assigning characters.

To help with the 1920’s vibe, we brought our modified 1940’s era typewriter and some antique books into the room.  And the ever talented Hubs built a phonograph iPod dock, just for the party (it’s now a permanent fixture in my living room – I just love it!)  We also downloaded a bunch of ragtime and jazz music onto the iPod to serve as background music for the evening.

As guests arrived (in character and in costume), they had their mug shot taken by the art deco back drop (made out of tissue paper circles) and were handed an envelope with a list of their initial party objectives.

Banana Chip Oat Muffins

Like many schools nowadays, Dude’s school has a fruit or vegetables for snack rule (that makes me feel super old, btw, remember when we could bring chips and cookies for school snack?), except for Fridays when they can bring a different healthy snack, like sting cheese or yogurt (uh, no chips or cookies).

Thankfully, homemade muffins also work for Friday snack.  Which is actually quite fun, because now we get to have muffin Friday (nope, doesn’t flow like muffin Monday, but I’ll take what I can get).

Angel Wings Wednesday #3

 “We are grieving, We are not contagious, We are not sad all the time, We laugh, We smile, We cry, We weep for being happy, We live, We talk, We feel, We come from every background, We are sad, we lost a baby, We are…” -Jennifer Davis

“How are you?”

It’s such a simple question, but there’s rarely a simple answer.

I always give the same answer, “I’m doing alright, there are good days and bad days, but I’m ok”

And then there’s expectant silence.  No one knows how to respond.  Some people are relieved by this answer, and awkwardly change the subject.  Others stare at me, seeping pity, as if trying to x-ray my brain to see how I’m really feeling.  Still others begin to ask leading questions in hopes of tripping me up to reveal my true feelings.

Jack & Coke Chili

Last summer, I made Jack & Coke Steaks, so when I came across Jack & Coke Chili, I knew it would be a winner.

This chili was fantastic!  It was super super spicy (so if you’re sensitive, beware!)  The toppings (avocado & Greek yogurt/sour cream) absolutely made the chili, balancing out all that spice!

Ground Beef Stroganoff

So remember my bucket list?

Yeah, I had almost forgotten too, especially since it’s been almost a year since I crossed anything off of it…oops.

Well, that changes today, because I make Beef Stronganoff and ohmygosh it was so good!  I had to force myself to stop stuffing my face.