Timeless Tuesday: Boys Will Be Boys

Boys Will Be Boys - A Haiku (all in good fun!)

eighteen month old boy

making a mess in the dirt

boy oh boy oh boy

We had our first run in with dirt last week.  Now I'm not talking about your run of the mill garden variety dirt.  I'm talking about your 3 day old rain drenched worm infested muddy mud mud.  It was thick, it was gooey, and it went right into Baby Boy's mouth.  Again and again and again.  Until it was glaringly obvious that the "that's yucky; we don't eat dirt" comment I was so vigilantly expressing was simply not going to deter him. 

As I tried to wrangle and haul an angry, flailing, monkey back into our house to get cleaned up I realized that this is only the beginning of it.  I have a lifetime, or at least somewhere between 18 and 25 years of dirty boy ahead of me.  I better get used to it, huh?  Once Baby Boy was washed up and involved in a much less messy game of sweeping up cheerios, I indulged in my guilty pleasure of searching the web...is it really safe for toddlers to eat dirt, I wondered?  Apparently I wasn't the first - first time mom to question if this age old toddler habit was really harmless.  To my delight, baring a nasty iron deficiency that can make kiddos crave dirt (I don't think we are there yet) it is just another one of those 'usually nothing to worry about' toddler experimentations we parents must endure.  Funny thing is, watching Baby Boy eat dirt made me realize that as much as I know our world is going to continue to change and technology will evolve, I'm certain as certain could be that a thousand years from now boys will still eat dirt and moms will still wonder, "is this really normal?". 

On a side note, if I haven't officially overcome my germ phobia yet then I can share with you that I am darn close.  There is nothing like a little boy to help you work through that fear and much to my dismay, apparently dirt is not a boy's kryptonite.  Boy oh boy oh boy. 

Three Day Coconut Cake

Happy Easter!  Although it continues to be a rainy, muddy mess outside my window I am relishing in the deep greens and beautiful buds this weather has ushered in for our enjoyment.  I'm also feeling a bit of childhood excitement brewing up inside me knowing that my baby boy will be partaking in his first Easter Egg Hunt this afternoon courtesy of my sister (thanks, M!).  Even the rain can't put a damper on egg hunt fun.  I hope that you as well are managing to make the most of this Easter weekend despite the forecast.

I suppose if I was on top of my game I would have posted this recipe for the Three Day Coconut Cake at least three days in advance of Easter to give you the chance to savor it for the holiday.  Whoops!  However, I will make the promise that this easy recipe is sure to deliver if you make it for any other spring or summer occasions.  The secret to this recipe is to leave it in the refrigerator for three days before serving.  Coconut and cool whip aside that little instruction (make 3 days in advance!) is the best part of this whole recipe. I am always a get it done early kind of girl and this cake speaks directly to that need in me.  Although we won't be serving up the Coconut Cake until this afternoon, I'm hoping that it will elicit the same rave reviews that it received a few weeks back at a bridal shower (and if it doesn't I'll be sure to update this post with a big DO NOT EAT THIS CAKE warning within the next 3 days so that I'm sure to catch anyone who currently has it in the works!). 


This is only the second layered cake I've made and I was trying to put the layers together and ice while an 18 month old was tugging at my leg.  I assure you - yours will look much prettier!



THREE DAY COCONUT CAKE

14 oz.     shredded coconut

2 c.          sour cream

2 c.          granulated sugar

8 oz.        container of Cool Whip defrosted

1 box       yellow butter recipe cake mix

Bake cake according to package directions.  Split each layer in 2 – so you now have 4 layers.

Frosting:  Mix 2c. coconut with 2c. sour cream and 2c. sugar.  This is the filling mixture and will not look like a frosting  -- much thinner.  You can be very generous with the amount you put on each layer.

When you have filled and stacked all the layers you are ready to make the final frosting by adding the entire container of defrosted Cool Whip to the filling mixture.  Frost sides and top of cake with frosting.  Use the remaining coconut to cover the top and sides of the frosted cake.

Place in the frig for 3 days before you eat your first slice.  Enjoy!

Timeless Tuesday: Laughter

With the impending monsoons that are predicted for Columbus this week I'm having a hard time finding "the timeless" through the rainy gloom and the lingering Monday blahs.  I was just about to write to everyone suggesting that you are on your own this Tuesday when I was reminded of one of my favorite quotes that always makes me smile.

"Among those whom I like or admire, I can find no common denominator, but among those whom I love, I can: all of them make me laugh."  - W. H. Auden

 

This quote has long been one of my favorites.  I'm sure I've read it more than 100 times and I'm still appreciative of it's clarity.  I could rattle off lists upon lists of people that I like and admire in this world; however, when it comes to those that I deeply love the list shortens substantially (and please, you don't even need to question if you are on the short list - you are there!).  I had never been able to pinpoint the one common thread between those lovable ties until I happened upon this quote a few years back.  I certainly agree with Mr. Auden.  Those whom I love the most in this world always know how to fill my belly with that deep, deep, rolling laughter.  They know how to bring on the hysteric tears as if the swelling laughter can't escape my mouth fast enough it must also drip out of my eyes.

Thank you to my sensei's of laughter - you are reminding me of the timelessness in this soggy Tuesday.  Love you!

Leaning into Green

I've had a few revelations since hitting my thirties.  Here goes:

1.  No matter how old I get I'm always going to enjoy drinking beer.

2.  No matter how much my mind believes that I can drink beer and eat sweets like I'm in my twenties, my body does not believe.  Instead (to my disappointment) it begs me to think healthier.

3.  Having a kiddo makes me want to live a bit cleaner life and not leave so much waste behind for his generation to deal with.



What would game day be without a Coors Light
and a fry-filled sandwich?

Here is what else I know. 

1. I could eat Kale all day long, every day, for a year and I still wouldn't be a size two.

2. I love the ease of doing business with paper towels and disposable diapers so I could never completely give up some of my non-green desires.

3. I could save the world a land fill of beer cans, but as I mentioned above that isn't going to happen.

These realizations have led me to lean into green (I'm guessing someone has authored a book titled this as it sounds to good to not be taken, and if said author manages to track me down...I sware I am not stealing this idea from you.  Well, I am, but I assure you I'm looking to make no financial gain on the theft).

That being said, I am making some small changes in baby boy, Mr. November, and my lives.  Here is a peak at what I'm trying to do to green up our lives one small step for man at a time.  Maybe an idea or two will inspire you if you haven't already caught the green bug going around these days.

I think I've mentioned only 100 times
that I love apple picking.  I am going to make
an effort to buy more local produce this Summer. 

1.  I always set the timer and run the dishwasher late in the evening.  When less energy is being used it is less expensive to use.  I also always turn down the heat or air conditioning when we are not going to be home.  Why heat a home when no one is there to enjoy it?

2.  I refuse to be a short order cook and make separate meals for everyone in our house.  Since I know that I want my baby boy to eat his vegetables - we all have to.  That's why I have a rule of one meal for everyone, even if we have to make something unspicy for the little man and spice it up for the grown ups.  It is forcing me to learn how to cook and enjoy vegetables and how with the right doctoring up they can actually elicit an occasional craving.  Believe it or not I'm craving kale right now (thanks, Francie!).

3.  When it makes sense, I buy organic.  I try to pay attention to the "dirty dozen" http://www.organic.org/articles/showarticle/article-214 .  I also love buying organic milk as thanks to the ultra pasteurization it lasts weeks longer than non-organic.  This means that I don't waste a whole gallon of milk every week for the little bit I use in my coffee.  I've found that the extra dollar or two it costs is well worth the longevity it provides.  I'm starting to lean into the organic proteins, but as much as I buy into the wellness of them I am still struggling with the price differential.  If anyone has tips on buying organic protein I would love to know.

4. I'm reluctantly learning to snack on veggies, fruits, and nuts as opposed to sugar laden sweets and tasty, but unkind processed carbohydrates.  My super healthy, super fit, and super sweet friend gives me great tips.  For instance, I had no idea that you could dump a can of garbanzo beans on a roasting pan sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any other delicious seasonings you have on hand, bake them and come up with a crunchy, scrumptious, high-fiber snack that could rival the flavor in some potato chips.  If this sounds interesting to you - let me know and I will share the recipe.

5.  I try to only use paper towels for the big messes.  I have a slew of cloth kitchen towels that I use for every day clean up.  To my dismay there is always laundry to be done so adding a few extra towels into the mix doesn't cause much of a problem.  Not only is this better for the environment, but I've saved us quite a bit of money over the last year by cutting back on that easy but expensive luxury.

6.  Oh, and in case you wondered - I'm recycling the beer cans.  Remember, we are working on small steps here not giant leaps! 



Enjoying a cold beverage on the deck of the Pride of Hawaii cruise ship.



I would love to hear what you are doing to lean into green.  Please post or email me with your ideas!

Timeless Tuesday: Perennials

We purchased our home four April's ago and moved in before Spring had officially sprung.  Within a few short days of our move I noticed tulips and hyacinths popping up in the gardens and even a few in the yard.  I cursed the previous home owner and screamed at the flowers.  I've never been a fan of perennials and these happened to land in just about every place that I would have thought to plant annuals. I spent the entire first Spring in our new home trying to cut back and dig up those pesky perennials so that I could plant my impatients and geraniums just where I intended too.  Take that tulips!  I had thought the perennials had succumbed to the battle I had waged against them when sure enough in our second April they popped right back up with a vengeance - even in places I swore I dug them up.  That Summer I again fought the perennials and was sure we were done with them for good.  Then Spring number three rolled around.  I had a 6 month old baby at the time and little energy to mess with the gardens.  Though I'm sure the tulips bloomed I don't recall seeing them much through the foggy haze of sleeplessness and the worries of first time parenting.  They got away scot-free that season.

As I embark upon the fourth April in our beloved safe haven from the world I've realized that the tulips have popped up again and that actually I don't mind the perennials so much after all.  As a matter of fact, I think I'm establishing a new love affair with them.  It finally occurred to me that these little yellow blooms relentlessly pop up every year and in doing so make no requests, have no demands and really want for nothing other than the soggy and slightly sunny environment that Spring naturally offers to them.  Unlike my treasured impatients and geraniums, they aren't begging me to be watered, they aren't summoning me to prune, they really aren't doing much of anything other than offering a splash of Spring to our yard and reminding me that although I've questioned it's arrival Summer will soon show it's pretty face again.  I'm so glad that after four years my eyes have been opened to the sweet simplicity of perennials.  Maybe these flowers are a reminder that given enough time your heart can be warmed to just about anything that is willing to show up perennially.

Timeless Tuesday: A Good Man

There is this man in my life.  He is the definition of a better half.  He is better looking, smarter, kinder, friendlier, more patient, and more giving than I could ever be in a million years.  Now that I think about it, if he knew the slightest thing about fighting fires he could probably even make it into one of those deliciously silly calendars as Mr. November (he is a Scorpio after all).  Truth be told - if I didn't love him so much, I'd surely hate him for all of that perfectness.  He takes on responsibilities without complaint; he folds the laundry without being asked; he can eat 5 loaves of bread in one sitting and not gain a pound.  He adores our baby.  He knows I'm difficult, but takes my temper in stride.  I'm almost certain he has never said a bad word about anyone.  He loves all things fun and he is never afraid to make a fool of himself.  He has a charming smile (not to mention great hair - he would want me to say that if he knew I were writing this).  He makes me want to be a better woman, a better wife.  Unfortunately, at both I usually fail; however, I do occasionally remind myself that I convinced this gem of a man to marry crazy ol' me and that is certainly worth something on my personal scale of self worth. 

Thank you to my Mr. November for ever so subtly reminding me that The Beatles lyrics still sing true - all you need is love - and a good man sure helps too. 

Sweet Sassy Molassy

Sweet sassy molassy, did I ever have a hankering for cookies the other day.  I have spent many a pounds on the chocolate chip variety and it is seldom that I will waste my time or calories on any other cookie.  Why the sticky quick sand of molasses pulled me under is unknown, but it did and the outcome was delightful. I chose to use the recipe right from the back of a jar of Grandma's Molasses. After all, Grandma knows best.

The cookies weren't nearly as complicated to make as I expected and the tiny little gingerbread men that danced in my mouth upon the first taste were well worth the effort. 

Mix shortening, sugar, egg, and molasses. Stir in flour, baking soda, salt, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger.

Now here is the most important step, chill the dough for at least an hour.  Maybe that is common sense to everyone else, but cookie dough is one thing this salmonella-phobe should have, but never really worried much about.  What the molasses cookies taught me about making any cookie is that it is important to refrigerate the dough.  Chilling is what keeps the dough from separating and spreading and therefore your cookies will be more puffy and soft as opposed to thin and crispy.  Why didn't I know this?  Sure you already did so I apologize for the sidebar if you are already jars of cookies ahead of me.

Heat oven to 375 degrees.  Roll dough into balls the size of walnuts and dip tops in sugar.  Place sugared side up on lined baking sheet.  The recipe suggests sprinkling cookies with 2-3 drops of water; however, I wasn't impressed by the crinkle look and decided to forgo the extra step after the first round.  Bake 10-12 minutes (after first batch I cooked for 6-8 minutes as we like our cookies on the rare and chewy side).

Voila!

Grandma's Molasses Crinkle (or crinkle-less) Cookies
3/4 c. softened shortening (I used butter as it was what we had on hand)
1 c. light brown sugar (packed)
1 egg
1/4 Grandma's Molasses
2 1/4 c. flour (I split this between white and whole wheat flour)
2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp cloves
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp ginger

As delicious as the cookies were, I'm not sure if I will rush to make molasses cookies again until holiday time (for some reason they scream Christmas morning with a cup of coffee to me).  However; between you and me, I put quite a few in the freezer in case I need a hint of holiday flavor prior to December.