Archives for 2011

The Magic of Christmas … and Every Day

December 5, 2011 · Narrative

“Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” Roald Dahl

One of my favorite authors as a child. Who didn’t love the magic and wonderment of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and James and the Giant Peach?

I think this will be Nick’s last year believing in Santa Claus, and I can’t tell you how sad that makes me. Mystic and I were talking about it this weekend. I love Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, and the Halloween Fairy. For a million reasons, but most of all? Because it allows our children to believe in magic. Mystical things. Unexplained goodness. Innocence and wonderment. Pure and unadulterated bliss. And, of course, the occasional rainbow.

Nick has asked a lot of pointed questions about Santa Claus, and is one of just a few believers left in his class. He said he makes sure to look at the handwriting on gift tags (and luckily Mom makes sure to change hers from Santa), and while that could be parents writing the tags, how could the words “North Pole” show up on the Caller ID when they get their annual call from Santa Claus? Thank goodness for SantaSpeaking.com. In the meantime, I’m going to have to be more careful than ever. And I hope that whenever he does put all the pieces together, that he’s not terribly crushed. Or at least as crushed as his mom will be.

Somewhat related, the kids are obsessed with college. Where they will go. What they will study. How far they will be from home. I think a lot of it stems from the fact that both Mystic’s daughter and The Ex’s daughter will be going to college next year.

“Mommy, when I turn four in February, will I have to go to college?” Madeline innocently asked me last week.

Because, dude, she is not ready. Even though she is my three-year-old-going-on-teen, she is a little worried that next year means college.

Um, it doesn’t. I’m all for overachieving, but one year at a time.

They have conversations seemingly daily about what they want to be when they grow up. Madeline still comes back to being a mommy and a doctor, although being a groomer, a babysitter, and a cupcake maker were recently thrown into the mix. Nope, no candlestick maker. Nick circles around the CIA/FBI/Secret Service arenas a lot, peppered by a groomer (both kids love Maxwell’s groomer, can you tell?), a chef, and an artist. One night last week, the kids were underfoot in the kitchen in a megaserious way. I was running late in getting dinner ready, trying to make a batch of rainbow cupcakes for Madeline’s class, and supervise homework duty, and they both decided they wanted to help me cook. I tried my best to shoo them out of the kitchen so I could pick up the pace a bit. “But Mom, it’s your fault. We love your cooking, and we just want to be like you.” Yeah, statements like that pretty much get you your way. And make me feel equal parts guilty and super proud.

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Recipe: Bacon Studded Ham Cheddar Sandwiches {National Pork Board}

December 5, 2011 · Ad-Free, Narrative

**If you’re looking for the usual weekend post, scroll down… bonus two post special! ;)

When it comes to trends in the food world, they seemingly come and go in waves. Some are gone before you can even get into them. Some stick around, leave, and then come back. The folks at the National Pork Board (NPB) conducted a survey to uncover the top trends Americans are looking to incorporate into their holiday meals and have created a new guide that pairs festive pork recipes with six emerging food trends this season. One popular trend is the DIY movement. The survey found that home cooks are feeling more empowered than ever to head back into the kitchen and give homecooking another try.

If cooking for your family intimidates you, sometimes keeping it simple and using a few short-cuts is an excellent way to gain confidence and sure footing in your kitchen. As a busy working mom of two young kids, sometimes using a prepackaged item every now and then is a real timesaver, and all the better to use those extra precious minutes to really amp up the flavor of whatever your star ingredient happens to be. And today? Bacon. After all, everything IS better with bacon, isn’t it?

We entertain frequently, and I think aside from our semi-annual Rainbow Cake parties to celebrate both the beginning and end of the school year, I might be just as well known for our “bacon-themed” fete. What a night that was, with bacon appearing in everything from appetizers, salads, and the vegetable dishes, right through to the entrees. And really, it should come as no surprise … bacon has a lot of versatility, and with just a few extra minutes, you can transform it into something even more magical than its traditional form. You know, like Maple Black Pepper Bacon. That was the inspiration behind these Bacon Studded Ham Cheddar Sandwiches. A little extra time to give your bacon some bling, coupled with an awesome use for leftover holiday ham, and you are on your way to a perfect light dinner, brunch entrée, or midday snack just because.

The National Pork Board is also sponsoring a delicious giveaway at Kitchen PLAY. Simply recreate any one recipe from this month’s Progressive Party, post about the experience on your blog and provide a link to your post on Kitchen PLAY to enter. All qualifying bloggers in each course will be entered to win a National Pork Board prize valued at $100 (6 prizes total). The deadline is December 31, 2011. Please review the complete contest rules before entering. Good luck!

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Food and Drink Christmas Tree {2011}

December 4, 2011 · Narrative

This is the third year of my food and drink decorate Christmas tree in the kitchen. I would say it might be one of my favorite traditions of the holiday season, but who am I kidding? I am pretty fond of them all.

So instead of a traditional Weekend Photos in Review post tonight, it’s all about the tree.

Some of my favorite ornaments from the past two years have been:

This one I grabbed at the after-Christmas clearance sale last year. Mostly because I couldn’t bear to pay $9.00 full price.

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Introducing: Sweetnicks’ Sundries

December 2, 2011 · Narrative

I have always been a creative sort. Whether it’s writing, cooking, rubber stamping, photography, or making a Thanksgiving banner for our mantle, I like to exercise that part of my brain. Of course, with kids, it means I don’t always have the time to pursue such endeavors, but it doesn’t stop me from trying.

I have bought many hair clips over the years for Madeline, my nieces, and friends’ daughters. Of course, until only recently, the hair clips I’d buy for Madeline would sit largely unused in a jar. It turns out that if her Mom makes them, she wears them though. Who knew? While that wasn’t the only inspiration behind starting Sweetnicks’ Sundries, it’s certainly fun to create with my daughter in mind.

I have been making countless clippies over the last few weeks, in preparation for a vendor show tomorrow. After that, I’ll be putting them online in a new Etsy shop. (I’ve put one of my favorite clips in there now, just to start you out). I’ve got to say, it’s been an adventure sourcing the supplies, the ribbons, mixing and matching flowers and sequins and jewels, and this might be just the beginning. I have all sorts of plans in mind.

Need a stocking stuffer or small gift for a little one on your list this holiday? I’ve got you covered.

Before I leave you …

Sarah is having a fantabulous giveaway RIGHT NOW that you’ll want to check out. And if you don’t already read her other blog, Sassy Closet, you can get a mini peek into our living room right here (totally blushing on the kind words she bestowed on me!).
I have two more articles up on Parent Society’s website on divorce – Divorce Don’ts – How to Divorce and Keep Your Dignity Intact, and Taking the Bah Humbug Out of Divorce.

Alright folks, all for tonight. xoxo Cate

KRE-O Transformers from Hasbro

December 1, 2011 · Ad-Free, Narrative

Christmas is just over three weeks away … say it with me … ACK! I’m actually not in terrible shape though. Christmas cards ordered, stuffed, and sealed as of weeks ago. Nick put the Christmas tree up by himself, and completely decorated it. I’m done with shopping for my nieces, Mystic’s daughter, and a few odds and ends for my sister and the kids. Not an overwhelming to-do list, but ask me in a week or two and see if the answer changes. Or if I’ve made any progress on that list.

Now for the favorite topic these days … gifts. When the folks at Hasbro asked if I wanted to check their KRE-O set, I was intrigued. It looked an awful lot like legos, and we’ve never been a legos household. Oh there was a brief spurt, but it didn’t take hold. As I hear about legos taking over my friends’ homes, and them stepping on the little pieces in the middle of the night, I’m actually ok with that. But the set they wanted me to look at was a Transformers set. And, of course, not legos. Just similar. You can build either a truck or a robot from the same set. The same 90 piece set. I swear when I see “90 pieces,” my eyes glaze over and I want to push it aside. But this time, we dug in.

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Recipe: Sweet Potato Souffle

November 30, 2011 · Narrative

Food friends and family will …

… not blink an eye when you drive 30 minutes to go to a better farmer’s market than the one that’s five minutes away.

… understand the sudden need for polka-dot print plates and mismatched but pretty china.

… not be surprised when they open your refrigerator and notice it’s full.

… think that an afternoon of going from food place to food place all over town sounds just about perfect.

… not think it’s crazy that dinner might include six sides and eight desserts. And that might be a rough count, and an underexaggeration.

… partake in a spirited discussion on the best place to get hot dogs in the state.

But food folks? Some of my most favoritest people on the planet.

When Joanne, a confirmed food folkster, walked in early Saturday afternoon, she didn’t blink an eye while I ~~enlisted her help~~ put her to work. Fellow food bloggers and I had planned an after Thanksgiving, accidentally vegetarian, feast of pure deliciousness. Concentrating solely on appetizers, sides, and dessert. Which we all know are the best parts of the meal. I had, like, five recipes to make. As of 2 pm, I had started exactly zero of them.

So Joanne’s help was sorely needed.

Luckily I had the recipes printed, groceries shopped for, and kitchen counters cleared. I mean, a girl’s got to be at least a LITLLE prepared, n’est pa?

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Boyfriend? Significant Other? What Say You?

November 29, 2011 · Narrative

A few weeks ago, Mystic and I were heading out to the movies, and Nick and Madeline were staying home with a babysitter.

“Say goodbye to your Mom and Dad,” she said to the kids.

I waited. To see what the kids would say.

“He’s not our Dad!” Nick piped up. “He’s Mommy’s… boyfriend.”

We answered at the same time, and I answered with “my special friend.” Ugh. Where the heck is that whole “Beam me up, Scotty” moment when you need it? Calling him “my special friend” was not one of my more shining moments.

I mentioned it in the car. “I didn’t mean it like that…” Mystic laughed.

We had the whole “we’re not going to see other people” talk months ago. And I know he refers to me as his girlfriend. And the kids certainly call him my boyfriend. Heck, Nick had a “wedding planning” pack of papers that he started carrying around and scribbling in some two months into the relationship. Mystic apparently doesn’t scare easily. Bonus points for that.

But I’ll admit it. I’m not a fan of the word “boyfriend.” I told him I feel like I’m going backwards. Like I’m back in high school.

“Well, was high school a good time?” he asked.

“I guess so.”

“Significant other,” to me, means more like a husband or wife. “Partner” doesn’t feel right, and feels like a completely different type of relationship.

A few months back I would refer to him as “this guy I’m dating.” Stellar, yes?

When The Ex and I used to be out and about and would run into someone he knew, he would always forget to introduce me. And that was when we were married. It’s not terribly hard to say, “This is my wife.” It used to make me crazy.

Now here I am, the one doing the same thing. Only I’m not doing it on purpose.

Part of it is that although it’s been nearly three years, I still hate that our little family became a statistic. That the kids’ mom is “dating,” and not married to their dad. I know it’s common, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy progression. I am forever a work in progress. But we all are.

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The Joys of Parenting

November 28, 2011 · Narrative

I won’t lie. Parenting is hard. Single parenting? Harder.

The days are long. The demands are endless. The chatter incessant.

The thanks? Sometimes few and far between.

The mess? Everywhere. And always.

Tears. Tempers. Raised voices. Slammed doors.

And sometimes that’s not just the kids.

The Neighbors can tell you that they’ve heard me yelling. And likely not just in the summer when the windows are open.

But every day. Every single day. There are these glimmers of magic. These glittery sparkling little rays. That make you burst. That make it absolutely worth every headache-inducing debate over bath time, hair washing, picking up toys, chores, homework, less tv, more vegetables, playdates, teeth brushing, and everything in between.

The little hands thrown tightly around my legs with an outburst of “I love you, Mommy.”

The “Oh really? Thank you!” when they learn you’ve made a favorite meal or extended bedtime for a few minutes or planned an unexpected fun activity for no reason.

Madeline’s nurturing nature that comes over her when she sees her Mom doesn’t feel well, pushing the hair out of my eyes, and forcing me to drink lukewarm sink water through a bendy straw.

That look back as they leave to visit with their dad, to make sure I’m ok.

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Thanksgiving 2011 Photos in Review

November 27, 2011 · Photos

So an hour before the kids need to get dressed for Thanksgiving dinner, Madeline comes to tell me about a project she was working on. With markers.

Awesome.

Luckily she cleans up good.

Scoping out the Black Friday sales on the way to my sister’s house.

Madeline picked out two dresses. This one I had planned for her to wear for Christmas, but when she came down on Thanksgiving morning, she was dressed in it, instead of the other one. She rummaged around in her drawers and found the sweater and tights on her own. As she smoothed out the tulle (I so love this dress … a steal for $20 at Target!), she said “I look like a Princess!” And that she does. And then she said something completely inappropriate. She’s such an awesome mixture of moments of girliness and utter bawdiness, a real trip.

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Review: Mediterranean Snack Food Company

November 25, 2011 · Narrative

So here’s the thing. As wrong as it might be, once I see a list of descriptors for a food product that say “gluten-free, good source of iron and fiber, and 70% less fat,” combined with the fact that the items are largely powered by lentils, I’m really not expecting much in the way of flavor or taste. But I am happily proven wrong sometimes, and this happens to be one of those times.

A few months back, I received a case of assorted products from a semi-local company, Mediterranean Snack Food. An assortment of both crackers and chips, after reading how gosh darn healthy it all was, I honestly pushed them aside and started sampling some toffee I had also received (different company, of course). Hey, the tastebuds want what they want. That, and it’s hard to compete with toffee, right?

But eventually, the toffee long gone, I had a batch of homemade hummus that needed a vehicle in which to get it into my mouth. And so it was time to pop open a bag of the lentil chips. I started with the Sea Salt flavored ones. Lightly flavored (and I mean lightly. I’m on a huge salt kick and would have loved more), but perfectly crispy, devoid of grease, and downright tasty. That bag is now gone. I went on to try the Parmesan Garlic and then the Cracked Pepper flavors. Both equally yummy. The only one that I didn’t especially care for was the Roasted Red Pepper, but really, that just means you need to pile on more hummus, imho….

Recipe: Baked Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

November 23, 2011 · Narrative

My sister asked if I got a commission from all my Pinterest love, and I totally don’t. How I wish! It’s just super addicting once you learn the many different ways you can use it … and it has helped me get rid of files upon files of clippings – now everything I save is virtual! Lord help me if the site ever folds. One day, I’ll do a quick Pinterest tutorial because I know not everyone “gets” the wonderment that is Pinterest, and they should! Hear that, Mom? Tonight’s recipe? A find from Pinterest, of course.

We had a little extra time in the kitchen last night, so I whipped these up in just a few minutes. They are super simple to make, reasonably healthy (if you ignore the stick of melted butter part), and addictingly good. Because they’re small (donut hole size), you can pop them in your mouth and enjoy in one bite. And that’s all good until you realize minutes later that you’ve eaten five. But ’tis the season. Enjoy now, work out later. Everything in moderation.

Not sure if I’ll be back here tomorrow, but if not, will definitely pop in on Friday. Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. I have tons to be thankful for, and fully intend to count each and every one of my blessings, starting with the two little stinkers waiting for me upstairs.

xoxo…

A Peek Inside: My Purse

November 22, 2011 · Narrative

Two of my favorite features in US magazine are when they show the contents of a celeb’s purse or tote, and when they give the behind-the-scenes peek at the cover shoot. I’ve seen a lot of bloggers do the “purse peeks” too. But I gotta say, most of the time, I look at the pictures, and the contents, and think “no way in hell.” Either they clean it up and edit it before the shot. Or I’m the only one with a purse full of randomness.

And you know I don’t believe that.

I’d like to think of my purse as similar to Mary Poppins’ magical bag. Whatever you need, I likely have it.

I was quite chuffed to discover a band-aid in my purse, because while I may have a bunch of other things you didn’t think you needed but did, I am usually NOT the Mom with the band-aids. Even if I’ve had the Mom gig for almost 10 years.

The only things that are missing from this picture are my camera and hand sanitizer. ‘Cause I just ran out. But trust me, I always have it. Mostly because my daughter is a germophobe’s nightmare. And you know, ’cause I’m a bit of a germophobe myself.

(You can click on the picture to make it bigger … fyi)

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