Little Things, Big Impact-Marriage

I have a long list (literally) of things that I need/want to write posts about today to get caught up but, then some things happened this morning that really got me thinking. As you all know, my son has been having trouble sleeping off and on for the last month or two. This has made for long nights for momma and everybody knows what long nights and long days for momma means, right? Yep, crankiness. It's true...I have been exhausted and a bit (ahem, probably more than a bit) on edge lately. On top of long nights, I am still working my full time job (which I love) along with running the Etsy shop and also, have been hired on to liquidate a home FULL of furniture and misc things. F. U. L. L., peeps. Needless to say, I have been feeling spread a bit thin and also, frustrated with myself because I have not been able to get as much accomplished which each thing as I would like to. Now, I LOVE being busy...especially when it is something that I am busy with something I truly enjoy like busy taking care of my family or selling vintage. However, you have to have a system to make it all work and sometimes, even though I think I am superwoman, I can't do it all.

As you all know, I am married to a darling husband. He really is great. But, marriage is hard work. Just like anything else, you get out of it what you put into it. There are many variations of the "grass is greener on the other side quote.." but, recently I read one that said this:

"The grass is greener on the other side because they take better care of it" 

(source unknown...if this came from your site or you know who said it, PLEASE let me know so I can give you credit where credit is due)

Lately, my marriage has NOT been #1 on my priority list...or #2 or even #5...we have just been "existing". And, dear husband, has been existing with someone who has been less than ideal to "exist" around. It really hit me on Halloween night when I was scrambling to get the dinner dishes washed so I could get the cookie decorating started and husband asked me a random questions about a piece of jewelry I had sitting by the sink. All he asked was how to open it. At that moment, I was irritated. SO stupid, I know. I was irritated because couldn't he see that my hands and arms were wet and covered with soap and that bangle didn't have anything to do with what I was doing at that moment and basically "how dare he expect me to stop what I was doing, dry my hands, and show him how to open it" when really, he didn't expect me to do that. He just asked a question. Looking back I realize how completely ridiculous it was and how ashamed I am of myself for letting something as small as that get to me. That's when I realized that I had let things get too crazy and I was NOT Superwoman at all. 

Something else to know about husband and I is we are on opposite schedules. Husband has to do computer work late at night pretty often and he is accustomed to being a night owl. I am a granny who likes to be in bed basically before 9 pm. So, he stays up late and sleeps in and I go to bed early and get up really early...most of the time...except this morning. After a long week of not much sleep and staying up too late again last night (my fault), I overslept. I woke up and in my mind, I panicked. I had about 20 minutes to get myself ready for work, get Finn ready for school, and get out the door. I hurried out of bed and got my contacts in then proceeded to go zap yesterday's coffee (gross but, it's the truth when you are in a hurry!) and then something happened.....husband got up. Without saying a word, he went and woke Finn up, took him potty, got him dressed for school, and brushed his hair. Now, I know to some of you this may not seem like that big of a deal...but, to me, it was HUGE . I would be lying if I said I was not tearing up even now as I type this. That simple act of him helping me out this morning meant I was not late to work, no one was snappy or rushed (ahem..me), I had time to help Finn pick a toy to play with this morning at school (our daily routine unless we are running late). It was the BIGGEST help I could have ever asked for...and even more, I didn't have to ask for it. 

My point of telling you all of this is several things:

First, even when you think you can do everything, you probably can't. Maybe you CAN physically get them done but, not without it taking a toll on other areas of your life...even when you don't realize it. 

Second, always be sure to take care of each other. A marriage is a team. No one person can do it alone even though they try really hard to. Yesterday, it was late and I was unloading some things from my car and husband said "is there any way I can help you?" and even though at that moment, I didn't need help, it was the fact that he took the time to ask that got my attention. He also put Finn's jammies on while I changed my clothes. Again, something small but, such a BIG help to make our household run smoother. 

Third, if you feel like your marriage is strained or you find yourself feeling a bit blue, ask yourself if you are taking care of your grass. It is easy to get frustrated with each other and, dare I even say it, it's easy to focus on what the other person isn't doing instead of what YOU yourself aren't doing. Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman explained it really well when she said that marriage is not 50/50..it should be 100/100. If you both give 100% all the time, then when the other person isn't feeling their best/having the best day, etc..you are right there by their side to help them. Someone is always giving 100%.  Everyone is human, everyone has bad days, everyone needs help. 

There are lots of other things that can help a household be the best that it can be but, I really wanted to focus on a few points today. I think marriage is like being a parent...it's sometimes trying, sometimes exhausting but, always amazing....you just need a little extra elbow grease sometimes. 

Also, dear husband, thank you so much for all of your extra efforts last night and this morning to make my life easier. It really, really helped me more than I could ever express and I feel like a new person today. I really appreciate you. Love-Lo

Fave* Foods-Pesto Chicken Casserole

*If you have read my recipes/posts for a little bit, you may notice that there is something missing from the title there....Be warned! This is NOT a "fit" recipe....but, it sure was delicious! I do think, however, that next time I make this, I will try and "lighten" it up and bit! 

Pesto Chicken Pasta Casserole-very slightly adjusted from original recipe found here
Makes 6 servings

1/4 cup bread crumbs
1/4 grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon italian seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
8 ounces whole wheat rotini pasta
3 cups diced, cooked chicken breast
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups fresh spinach
8 ounces (about 1/2 of a 15 ounce jar) Alfredo sauce
3 heaping tablespoons pesto sauce
3/4 skim milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9x9 glass baking dish with nonstick spray. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and olive oil until moist then set aside. Cook pasta according to package directions until cooked yet firm. Drain in colander and set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine chicken, shredded cheese, spinach, Alfredo sauce, pesto sauce, and milk. Stir cooked pasta into chicken mixture and spread into the prepared baking dish. Top with the bread crumb mixture and bake 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.

The original recipe calls for 2 cups of cheese however, I only had one (poor planning on my part) but, I don't feel like it needed any more. It also calls for diced tomatoes but, I left those out because the hubby doesn't like them. All in all, this recipe was super tasty and would even be good with the addition of some broccoli or fresh sliced mushrooms (don't worry, husband, I won't try to slip those in on you). I cut the recipe in half to make only the 6 servings (original made 12) and it was more than enough for the 3 of us. I will say that this tastes even better reheated (after the flavors absorb more in the fridge) so, if your household is the type that will eat leftovers happily, make more! Even my husband (who rarely will eat leftovers) heated this up on his own and ate it!

If you try this and have any pointers or ideas, let me know! I would love to hear how it turns out for you!

Enjoy!

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1st Haircut

Last night, my baby boy got his very first hair cut ever.

 EVER. 

I have never even trimmed one single strand of those beautiful white blonde curls. We have always smiled and nodded (and chuckled) when people called him a little girl...and remember the bullying incident because of the ponytail? Whoops! Finn has always said he likes his long hair and never mentioned really WANTING it cut....until recently. He started asking for a haircut...not just any hair cut but he wanted to "get spiky hair, momma" like a little boy in his class. I put that thought in the back of my mind and then again yesterday, when I picked him up from school, he looked at a photo on the Rhea Lana's flyer we got and brought it up again. With bright eyes, he looked at me and said "momma, I want spiky hair like him" in the most serious 3 year old tone. We talked for a minute about how we would have to have our baths in the morning now so we could fix our hair, how it would be really short, etc. He was adamant about "getting spiky hair from the spiky hair store". I asked him when he wanted to go get a haircut and he said "Now". This was serious business, you guys! Off we went.......(after I washed his hair because the major downfall to that head of long curls was the HEAT...bless his heart...he was SO hot all the time :/ )

Those of you that know me know that I no longer have a regular hairdresser. I was dedicated to a fabulous lady (by dedicated, I mean, the 2 times a year I used to get my haircut/colored, she was the ONLY one who could do it....) but, I had Finn and spending money on those kinds of things was no longer an option so my hair was placed very far on the justifiable spending list. I have gotten the occasional "so so" walk in haircut and then let it grow several times.....then the last time I got my hair cut, I went to a different walk in place and got a really good haircut! We went to the Supercuts and even though it wasn't the same person who gave me the great cut, we were really AMAZED at how great of a job she did. Her name was Chiree and she will officially always be cutting Finn's hair. I couldn't speak more highly of how good she was with him and how great of a job she did!!

Now, on to pictures!! 

Before: 

While I LOVED my baby's long curls, they were unruly 98% of the time. Humidity, little boy activity, plus naps made it kind of a mess :/

Long hair combed walking into the salon...he was so excited I could not get him to stand still enough for me to get a good photo!!

Bye, bye, curls....Kept the first curl to save ;)

Such a big boy! Did not move or shed a tear! He was mesmerized watching her cut it in the mirror...

At this point, he held his hands up to his hair in the shape of a point and asked if it was going to "get spiky"!!

Finished!!! 

Of course, we had to go show it off to husband's family!

Grown up hair? check..Big boy scraped elbow? check.

Wiped out after all the excitement :) Oh yeah, and daddy got his haircut "spiky" too :) Husband, I love you and I love how you always want to match Finny

Little things...

(As I mentioned before, I will be doing some posts about things that make me happy/unhappy modeled after posts I enjoy reading by Brandilyn on Cats and Cardigans)

Things that make me happy this week:

New projects in the future with my shop. (Remember my shop? I haven't talked about it much on here but I have been busy!! There are around 100 items currently for sale! I plan on featuring more of those items on this blog as well as some things I have my fingers crossed about!)

Successful recipes and new recipes to try in the future

Toddler snuggles

Having husband around the house with us for 99% of the time Saturday and Sunday (!!)

Miller has a new sister!!!!!!!!!!! The Woodruff family welcomed a sweet baby girl, Mattie McNeil, into the world on Monday! Congratulations!!! <3 

Things that make me less than happy this week:

Ty Louis Campbell. Please go read his story. Please pray for him and his family. If you live close to them, please go give his sweet momma a hug from me. I know I have said this before but their battle is long from over and every tiny thought helps. I have never lost a child. My child has never battled a major disease. I know or know of people who have but, as much as I would like to think I can sympathize, I know that my aching heart for them and for what they have been through in no way compares to what they are feeling. 

This list ends there. As much as I would like to complain more about my "terrible threes" or the fact that my child hasn't been sleeping through the night, I can't. My "problems' are so trivial compared to what others are facing. As weird as it may seem to constantly think about someone you don't really "know", my thoughts have been filled with this family. I have been meaning to write about the recipes I mentioned or about silly things happening in our home and I just haven't. I promise to get back to posting about the other things but, just wanted to mention them again because they have been on my mind so much.

A few little things...

A few weeks ago, I emailed the lovely Brandilyn Haynes, from Cats and Cardigans, to not only tell her how much I enjoy her blog but, to also ask her how she felt about me "borrowing" an idea for a post that she had done several times (a post on things that she is grateful for). I didn't really expect a response back but, I knew I didn't want to proceed without reaching out to her first. Well, she not only emailed me back but was also incredibly kind! That lady gets an A++ in my book! So, once a week, I would like to start just jotting down the things I am grateful for or things that make me happy (yes, I know, I know.....but, you hardly post once a week so does that mean these will be the only posts you do?! no, no..I am working on doing better about that!). Here it goes!

Things that make me happy this week:

Happy Anniversary, husband!! 

Lunch and dinner date in one day with Husband for above! Greek food here AND salmon kabobs here in one day?! yes, please!

the not one, but TWO bouquets of flowers husband got me....holy moly! 

Happy birthday, sister!! My lovely and amazing older sister and celebrating a birthday today! <3 

Getting to take my sister lunch and presents at her shop today to celebrate! um, I may or may not share a similar strong love of Greek food with my sister....and we may or may not have had that for lunch today...two times in three days is too much, you say? Fuh-gettaboutit! PS..if you live in NWA, go getcha some Kosmo's....like right now. man, oh, man...moving on

Having son make a birthday video singing happy birthday to said sister and all the comedic moments that may have included. best. video. ever. watch out, hallmark! 

Spending the weekend working on something that must remain nameless until a later date.....I may or may not have stayed in my pajamas and glasses most of the weekend working away but, it was totally worth it....sorry, husband! 

Laughter....so much of it already and it's only Wednesday! 

Things that made me less than happy this week:

Bullies.....at daycare. yes, this does happen and no, it is not the first time. Sets a very good example to my Finny on the difference between right and wrong and makes me hope he always tries to do the right thing. 

Choosing my tallest heels on a day when I have to power walk/sprint through the mall to get strawberry gummies (for sister's birthday) and chinese take out for husband.....I may or may not have dropped my phone then almost tripped on my own shoe in about ten feet. flats, lo lo, flats...

discovering I start every sentence with "so..", "well," or "may or may not have"......the publishers are lined up over here, folks...lined up, I say! 

That's all! Hope everyone is having a fantastic week! 

Weekend/Week Wrap-up

Whew, Thursday already!! Time has just been FLYING by.....so, here is a quick run down of what we have been up to....

•  (oh, the bullets....so professional? so cheesy? so something?) Friday night, I baked some cupcakes for my friend's husband's birthday. Because I had to be up early Saturday morning, I had to bake these Friday night and then ice them Saturday right before she picked them up
• why did I have to be up early Saturday morning? To run my second 5k....and it went GREAT! For several reasons...first off, it wasn't 4 bazillion degrees this time...it was actually, dare I say, brisk? chilly, even? Second, because I set small goals for myself (sometimes..more on that later). For my first 5k, I just wanted to finish...I didn't even care if I had to stop and walk once in a while...just wanted to finish. (Yes, I did have to stop and walk a couple of times...I have said before (maybe to you guys?) that I am not a runner....I would like to be and am working my way there but definitely not winning any medals over here!). This time, I set two goals: 1) To run the whole time and 2) To beat my time from before......and I did! I only stopped one time for a few seconds to tie my shoe (lesson learned to double knot your laces) and finished a full 3 minutes and 12 seconds faster then before. I will take that, ladies and gents...sure will.
• Saturday, Husband's parents wanted to keep Finn overnight so Husband and I got to have an impromptu (and much needed) date night! We had dinner at Mimi's, played a round of putt putt, went to Dairy Queen for some ice cream, and then went home and stayed up way too late watching tv shows on Netflix. 
• Sunday, I got a wild hair to redo my house....namely, the spare bedroom/office "situation" (yes, it was a messy situation) and Son's room. Being the beginner blogger that I am....I didn't take before pictures.....um, what?!! whoops :( BUT, I promise to take some good photos of the finished product this weekend and share them! Separate post on what all I did to follow......REALLY wish I would have taken those pictures!
• Sunday evening, we went to water the grandparents horses and feed their fish so we went back to Dairy Queen for a cheeseburger.....remember me eating healthy? yeah, not all the time...sometimes after a long day of painting/scrubbing/moving, etc, a girl's just HAS to have a burger...right? ;)

So, that's about it! This week we have just been workin, schoolin, shippin some things for the Etsy store (remember that? yep, she's still going strong!, plus, a church swim party last night and Son is off of "school" today for a day with his Aunt K before she starts back to college...whew! Already been kind of a long week (for us, at least)

Hope everybody is doing great and having a terrific week! 

Black Thumb Betty-Update

I am happy (oh so happy!) to report that so far (fingers crossed WHILE knocking on wood) all of my plants are still alive (well, unless you count that hanging basket.......).

Here are some photos I took yesterday morning:

Pepper plants still, uh pepperin'...well, not really pepperin yet but they have grown a lot!

Photo: WHY WON'T YOU TURN?!? I turn you the right way before I upload you and *poof* you are sideways again.....you must also be approaching three years old like my toddler....anyhoo....zucchini plant is the one on the RIGHT and is doing preeeeetty well (some hungry animal is trying to get the guy on the end..er, bottom there). On the left are the cucumber plants and they are taking off!! (in the good way, of course)

Photo: my blog readers (I think I have readers other than mom...Hi, mom!) do NOT want to stand on their head to look at this basil. so, knock it off!! So, here is the basil.....I did some moving around last weekend (more to come on that) and had this empty white pot so I planted a couple more basil seeds (more spread out this time) because a) we love basil and b) I am just excited the first ones grew at all?? who knows....

and, lo and behold, look who decided to join the party!!! CILANTRO!!! We had a few days of slightly cooler weather and my little cilantro seeds got excited and FINALLY started sprouting!! However, knowing it was about to get HOT again, I decided to see if these dudes (you don't call your plants dudes? well, you should...they are very hip) would grow in my window sill and, by golly, they have!! They have shot up 2 inches in the past week?! Go, buddy, go!!

Speaking of something else that has really grown.....my son. he has grown TWO AND A HALF INCHES since the end of March. 

SERIOUSLY. 

That tells me two things (lots of things around here tell me two things...) a) those "growing pains" we thought he was having in the middle of the night were more than likely definitely (I am so confident, eh?) growing pains and b) my baby isn't a baby anymore :..( off to cry in my cilantro pots now....

ok...*sniff* I am back. If you are wondering why I have everything so close together, etc. Mostly it is because I didn't honestly know if anything would grow....so I over seeded...whoops!! Husband and I have been discussing making some raised beds for me to do my gardening in but haven't ironed out any details so when we do, I will maybe be replanting some things....my concern is that re-planting them will kill them...thoughts? suggestions? If anything, I really need to plant them in some 5 gallon buckets but, I think Husband would like something that looks a little nicer than that so who knows. We shall see! All I know is that they are growing!! 

Whew!

Goodness! Is it Thursday already?? My how the time flies! Although looking back I can't really pinpoint a bazillion things we have done but the past week sure has felt busy!! so, let's see...what have we been up to?

*Friday night I attended Husband's ten year high school reunion. Because I moved my senior year, I did not attend my own ten year reunion, ahem, several years ago (yes, I am the oldest one in our house unless you count my treasures..) so I really had no idea what to expect but we had a great time and I got to hear some funny stories about Husband growing up. Always entertaining!!

*Saturday Husband joined us on our normal shopping trip but this time we made a stop at Sam's! It was husband's idea and man, am I glad we did! We only bought things that we would absolutely use in a normal period of time but I am SO glad that he suggested we go there. As a momma who is always trying to stretch every dollar, I was super excited to be able to stock up on lots of items we use on a daily basis...especially meat items. We are carnivores in my house. We eat meat at pretty much every meal and it can get pretty expensive so i was super happy to be able to buy chicken, tenderloin, beef, lunch meat, heck, even some STEAKS (!!-which would normally be a splurge but husband deserves a steak when he wants one (as I said a quiet prayer or two that I wouldn't ruin it like I have done in the past :/ ) etc that can be used in the coming week or frozen for a later date. Saved a TON of money in the long run which, I will admit, makes this momma VERY happy!

* Saturday afternoon we had TWO birthday parties...back to back. We made it through 75% of the second one before having a giant melt down and having to sneak out the back. I will be the first to admit that I am not a perfect parent and my baby is not, in fact, one of those kids who is perfect 100% of the time. I am very blessed and he is very, very well behaved but just like his momma....when you get tired/hot/hungry...good Lord, y'all better watch out! Hey, what can I say....he comes by it honest!

* Sunday we held an impromptu dinner for Husband's parents and grandparents. I made turkey breast tenderloins, homemade mashed potatoes, oven roasted vegetables, salad, crescent rolls, cookies, and ice cream sundaes for dessert. My cooking prayers for the evening were answered and everything turned out great (whew-I always worry how my cooking will turn out and even more so when it is for his family). I feel like any time I get asked how I cooked something that means it was a success!

*Monday night I remade the stroganoff recipe but with egg noodles this time and it was tasty!

*Tuesday night Husband had a friend over for dinner and I said another kitchen prayer and made steaks and chicken on the grill along with more homemade mashed potatoes (Granny would be so proud!) and roasted vegetables, crescent rolls, etc with fruit and ice cream for dessert. I don't like to pat myself on the back much (I really don't!) but the guys were VERY happy with their steaks and neither of the rib eyes ended up looking like beef jerky! Whew again!

*Wednesday night we rode in the golf cart with Husband while he played 9 holes with his aunt, uncle, and mom.

*Tonight my normal Thursday night Girl's Night got canceled so, I kid you not, I am not doing anything!! haha Actually, that isn't true...I have a new homemade pasta recipe to try (gonna make a big pot and freeze it for future meals) and also, a chocolate chip recipe (I have about 10 recipes for chocolate chip cookies but have yet to find THE ONE) to try......and do some dishes. We are very exciting around these parts ;)

Hope everyone has had a terrific week! <3

Momma McCarty

Here lately, we have really been looking at our budgeting, lifestyle, spending vs saving, waste, etc. Not necessarily in a "Go Green" save the planet kind of way, although, we do love Earth and would like it to continue to be nice for Son then his sons then their sons, etc but, in an old fashioned homemaking sort of way...what would you call that? thriftiness? being frugal? self sustainable? who the heck really knows what to call it but what I mean is this.....less waste, less spending, more saving, less junk (do not confuse the word "junk" for "treasures" because they are NOT the same thing!!), etc. I think it stems from several different things and here are a few small examples of them:

*this momma got sick of throwing out a week's worth of leftovers every trash day...it was like lighting twenty dollar bills on fire every week, and child, that's just silly

*trying to keep a 3 year old (SHOCK-yes, sweet baby is almost three *snifffffff*) out of what you are doing so you can scrub and clean the house with "stinky chemicals" was making me crazy...there had to be a better, more affordable way to clean without putting him at risk of asphyxiation...and honestly, that baby boy loves to help me clean...loves it and I think it is good for him to learn at a young age to clean up after himself a bit, etc

*the need to save more....there have been a few recent life events that have dwindles our emergency fund down to well, none, and if you know me, you know that sends me into a PANIC...P A N I C. because just like that, life happens and you gotta be a little bit prepared for it! oh, and, son needs to go to college someday too...

*I have always been someone who got a great sense of pride in something homemade ...mostly that has been in the kitchen but as I have gotten older and after I became a momma, I started thinking a little bit more about just everything in general...what am I really feeding him? what is really on that surface he is touching now? what kind of person do I want him to grow up to be and how can I lead him there by living that way myself?

So, we are going to be living a little bit more of an old-fashioned lifestyle. A few quotes I have come across lately that have stuck with me are these:

"Make do and mend"

example: Last weekend while son and I were home with the ol' pink eye, I tackled a stack of repairs (missing buttons, etc and also, made my first article of clothing....normally, if a shirt got a hole or something, husband would just get rid of it and go buy something else. Now, while I will never ask him not to buy something for himself (new clothes, etc), I will try my best to keep him lookin' sharp with what is already in his closet ;) and also, I have been learning to revamp clothes I already have to get some different/more wear out of them.

"Eat it up, Use it up, wear it out, or go without"

example: no more buying an ingredient for one meal use and then throwing it out two weeks later when it is a science experiment in my fridge. Multi purpose items from now on....let's get creative! :)

an old favorite of mine "Happiness is homemade"

etc...

So, please join me as I continue my cooking adventures (and some mess ups! but, by golly, I WILL master bread baking....I cannot for the life of me get down how to make homemade bread, etc with yeast...but I will!! it's a challenge to myself), sewing adventures, cleaning tricks and tips, etc. 

Eureka Springs Family Date Night

As some of you know, Husband and his father run a company called Century Cash Register in Springdale that sells point of sale systems to retail stores, restaurants, and bars. Husband does the tech support, programming, and installation of said systems in many businesses in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Louisiana. The downfall is a lot of time on the road but the definite plus to his occupation is getting to go and try new places we may not have normally gone! One of those places is Ermilios Italian in Eureka Springs. Husband spent some time up there Wednesday of last week and while he was there, the super friendly and lovely owner Paul invited Husband to bring us back for dinner Friday night and to check out the White Street Art Walk that was going on that evening. Husband asked me and I said "OF COURSE!!". Eureka Springs is only about 45 minutes away from us so not too far at all to pile in the car after work and head that way. I worked through my lunch on Friday so that we could get on the road a little earlier and we were off! Road trip!

uh, Husband? :)

Whoot!

We arrived in Eureka, parked right behind the restaurant and set off. Since we got there pretty early, we were able to beat most of the crowds and boy, am I glad we did!! Navigating the stroller was a little tricky once more people showed up! We didn't end up buying anything on the Art Walk but we did see some very lovely art items and some other, ahem, rather interesting items:

Exhibit A:

What? Why? Who? I dunno but they are set in concrete so those puppies aren't going anywhere!

After we took in the sights, we headed back to the important part of the evening.....the food!!!!!! We had a dinner "reservation" (they don't take reservations but we were able to get a special favor...thank you, Paul!) at 7 but got back a little early and pulled a few strings to get our table around 6:30. I don't even know how that happened considering there was a TWO HOUR wait to eat!! But, let me tell you something, people....

IT WOULD HAVE BEEN WORTH THE WAIT! YES, ALL CAPS! 

The food was absolutely amazing. I did not get one single photo of anything we ate *sniff* because I was too busy EATING! Next time...I promise...

So what did we eat?? Well, lemme tell ya! This is where I wish I had taken some photos because we couldn't help ourselves!

Starter:

Roasted Garlic Cloves with Fresh Bread

Entrees: (Dining at our table was Husband, Son, Father-in-Law (who was there working that evening), & I)

Me: Salmon with Steamed Veggies and Side Salad

Finny: "Mom's Homemade Meatballs" with Penne Pasta (easier for him to eat)

Husband: Pan Roasted Pork Chop with Steamed Veggies and a side of Eggplant Parmesan 

Father-in-Law: Filet Mignon, Steamed Veggies and a side of Eggplant Parmesan. 

Dessert:

Me: Tiramisu 

Finny: Chocolate Cake

Husband: Italian Cream Cake

Father in Law: also got the chocolate cake although the slices were HUGE and he probably should have just shared with Finny. 

When I first started writing this post, I was describing how delicious each item was until I realized that most of the items we had were some of the VERY best preparations of each items I had ever had. Best salmon ever, best pork chop ever, best eggplant Parmesan ever, and very, very, very best spaghetti sauce ever so instead I decided just to list our meals and refrain from repeating myself....too much. Just take my word for it. Worth the drive, worth the wait if there is one. Also, I should note, there is a lounge upstairs that has a small bar and board games so if you are waiting, please head upstairs and pass your time that way if you can. 

You guys......PLEASE please go eat here. Please let me take you actually....so I can go again? Every single thing we ordered was amazing and delicious. The atmosphere was great, the history of the restaurant and location is terrific, our server was fantastic....I am craving it as we speak and will be asking husband to take me back again VERY soon! Once again here is the website, please go check it out and tell Paul we sent you! 

Photo Life-Weekend Recap

A few snaps from last weekend:

Headed on a very mini family road trip to Eureka Springs!

oh, hi, husband!

wait...um, what? 

Dear Eureka Springs, This is not at all what I had in mind to see when I visited you for the "Art Walk" Sincerely, Me

This is George. He was a weekend guest at our casa. More on him later on........maybe

This is turtle. He was also a weekend guest at our casa. Huh?

So, there you have it! My weekend!

On a more serious note....

You guys....I have to tell you something. We, Husband and I, are not very healthy. For reals. I used to be....back when I was single and passed my time with a run everyday and was only cooking for myself and made a not-so-exciting but tasty version of fish or chicken and steamed broccoli almost daily. But, then I fell hopelessly in love......with someone who loves food as much as I do...maybe not as much, because y'all, I LOVE food. Each meal is spent thinking about what yummy deliciousness I will cook next. Great for my kitchen but not so great for my waist line. Since I met my darling husband, work out time got replaced with date nights (No regrets there though....Husband, I love you and you are completely worth all these pounds!!) I have consistently held on to about 12 to 15 pounds. (!!!!!!!!). I did manage to lose a majority of it for our wedding day but gained it ALL back on our honeymoon where we indulged and ate amazing food from Memphis BBQ to Sweet Potato Pancakes at The Pancake Pantry in Nashville. (Stop here for just a second, GO, GO NOW to Nashville and eat here. It is no joke, that I love Nashville like I love Austin. Please go there. Let us take you. When can you leave? Ready yet?) Anyhoo, back to the real subject here....the weight. While 15 pounds doesn't seem like much, it isn't just the pounds, it is the make up of my body that has changed as well. Broccoli was replaced with cookies and muscle was replaced with fat. Not pretty, people. I know what you are thinking.....it's really not much/should be easy to lose/people lose more weight than that all the time/what are you complaining about, etc. But, it is a lot to me and coming from someone who worked really hard to lose FIFTY pounds after I had my son, I was not going to let it continue to get the best of me. So, Husband and I have decided the time has come to revamp our lives and get healthy. Not just to lose weight, etc but with both of us coming from a long family history of diabetes, the sooner the better. So, why am I telling you all of this? Partially because of support. Partially to make a vow to all of you (to Husband, to my mom who I know reads this blog...Hi, mom!, to anyone else who might stumble along) that we are not "dieting", we are making a life style change to get healthy for our minds, our bodies, and our hearts. And, last but not least, if you come here for the cookin', we are still gonna be cookin' ...just know that we are gonna "lighten up" a little. I plan on taking our favorite recipes and trying to make them better for us but still be knock you socks off delicious. It can be done! I have no doubt about that! So, join us if you would like, follow along if you would like, make your own vow to get healthy and we will support you too!

So, stay tuned for some "Fitter Fave Foods", exercises, and inspiration to be peppered here and there in My McCarty House! <3

Fave Foods-PW's Homemade Skillet Cornbread

Saturday, during baking-bonanza-palooza, I also had to whip up some dinner to feed Husband and our son. :) A popular favorite in our house is good ol' jambalaya and cornbread. Now, I am about to tell you something here that pains me......and y'all, I kid you not, PLEASE don't tell my Granny.......

I have never in my almost THIRTY years of existence, made cornbread from scratch.

SHOCK and SHAME! (excuse me while I compose myself)

 You see we have always been a Jiffy family.....you know, this?

(photo from Jiffy web site)

And, while I will admit, I have always and still do love it's sweet cornbread flavor (and will continue to make it for my family), sometimes you need the not sweet variety. 

Okay, moving on. Cast iron skillet in hand (y'all use on of these to cook? please do. You can even get them "pre-seasoned" now (goodness, please don't tell my Granny that either! ;), I set about making my first-ever batch. I turned to my trusty, hand dandy Pioneer Woman's cookbook, available here. No, I am not in any way shape or form sponsored by her or paid to say any of these things but I just like her a whole bunch and like her cookin'. (although, Ree, are you there? Can I come out to the ranch? You can wear your yoga pants!). I did not change her recipe at all, so I will refrain from repeating it on here but you can find it HERE and give it a whirl...please, please do. Here is a photo of our cornbread fresh outta the oven and gracious, it was GOOD! *Baker's note: please remember that your hot skillet will continue to cook the cornbread long after you take it out of the oven and please, do not be a ding dong like me and leave it in the pan, okay? unless you want a burnt bottom! (the cornbread not the other....this is a family site, you guys!)

Enjoy!! now, go, go NOW (!!) and try this...Tell Ree I sent ya!

Fave Foods-Imperial Brand Lemon Triangles

For Easter Sunday, I made several recipes...(actually, I made them on Saturday because of time but more on that later...) and one of them was a recipe I found on the back of the Imperial butter box for Lemon Triangles. I will be honest and say that when Husband wants lemon bars (or even when he doesn't and I just think about it at the store!), I usually grab the box.....I know, I know, the box of "stuff" you throw together to make a dessert. Now, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that and I have done it for a long time, but the older I get, the more I want to learn to make things from scratch. I just get a warm and cozy feeling making something homemade for my boys.....okay, so anyway...enough of that! On to the good stuff...LEMON!

Terrible pic courtesy of a mama who forgot to take a picture until it was time to go!

Ingredients:

2/3 cup Imperial butter, softened

2 1/2 cups granulated sugar

2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

4 eggs

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (I used the juice of 2 lemons and it was slightly less than 1/3 cup but it worked)

2 tbsp grated lemon peel

powdered sugar 

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350F
• Line a 13x9-inch baking pan (I used a cookie sheet) with aluminum foil then spray with non stick cooking spray and set aside.
• In a large bowl, with an electric mixer, beat butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
• Beat in 2 cups of flour until fine crumbs form. Press into the prepared pan and bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes
• Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, with your mixer again, beat eggs, remaining2 cups granulated sugar, remaining 1/3 cup flour, lemon juice and lemon peel for about 4 minutes or until light and fluffy; pour over hot crust. 
• Bake for an additional 25 minutes or until lemon mixture is just set *Baker's note: I feel like 25 minutes was a little long here. Please try baking this for about 15 minutes and checking it for "setness" (no, that isn't a real word, but in my kitchen, most of them aren't!)
• Allow to cool completely on a wire rack. Using foil, lift bars out of pan. Spray a knife with cooking spray (don't skip this like i did or you will make a mess!) and cut into triangles. 
• To serve, sprinkle generously with powdered sugar. 

Enjoy!!

Fave Foods-Fudge Brownies

Good morning! Just wanted to pop in and share a new recipe I made for the boys last night. I made Chicken Parmesan which was nothing fancy so I don't have a recipe to share there but I thought I would treat the boys to some dessert as well...because, really, who doesn't like dessert?! Sadly though, because we do LOVE dessert so much (and because my clothes are beginning to get more than a little snug...what is it again? "calories are little things that stitch up your clothes in the middle of the night"? um, not exactly :/ ) I decided to tinker with some "lighter" recipe versions of some of Husband's favorite foods. I do have lots of recipes that are my go to from various sources such as Cooking Light cookbooks, Oxygen magazine recipe section, etc but wanted to try some new things. Recently, I took my son to the library and signed us both up for our own library cards. Best thing I have ever done. I am very proud to say that he LOVES to read and we have a blast every week going and picking out new books (some are hits, some are misses but all are funny in some way). Perhaps, I should start a little section on the books we pick up that we really enjoy? Hmm....wait, I am getting way off track here...now, where was I??

oh, yes.....BROWNIES!!!!!!!!!

(please excuse my terrible picture here....and the fact that I forgot to take a photo BEFORE I told the boys (and myself) that the brownies were, in fact, ready to eat!

On our trip to the library last week, I added "Secrets of Fat-Free Baking" by Sandra Woodruff, RD (available here) to my book pile and I am SO glad that I did! This book is awesome! If you want to try and learn some how to's and shortcuts on "lightening" up your favorite recipes, please give this book a quick read. So, on to the recipe. For my first recipe attempt from the book, I decided to make "Fat Free Fudge Brownies" p. 58. Now, I know that just because something is "fat free" doesn't mean it is "healthy" and gives us a free pass to stuff our faces HOWEVER, it does make me feel a smidge better about treating my family to a little something baked every once in a while. Anyhoo, these brownies were super good and were exactly as their name describes....gooey, fudge-like, and delicious!! 

Fat Free Fudge Brownies      

Makes 16 Servings (these little guys pack a pretty rich punch so one will settle any craving you are having!)

Ingredients:

3/4 cup unbleached flour (I used all-purpose flour)

1/4 cup plus 2 TBSP cocoa powder

1 cup sugar

1/4 tsp salt (says "optional", I used it)

1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

3 egg whites

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup chopped walnuts (also "optional", I did not use because Husband no like-y the walnuts)

Directions:

• Combine flour, cocoa, sugar, and salt and stir to mix well. Stir in the applesauce, egg whites, and vanilla extract. Fold in the nuts if desired.
• Coat an 8 inch square pan with nonstick cooking spray. Spread the batter evenly in the pan, and bake at 325 degrees for 23 to 25 minutes, or just until the edges are firm and the center is almost set. 
• Cool to room temperature, cut into squares, and serve.

So easy and so delicious. These would be great topped with some fresh sliced strawberries and do not forget a glass of milk! You will thank me later ;) or, maybe you won't...depends on how many brownies you end up eating!! 

Enjoy!

                                     

Fave Foods-Beef Enchiladas

Sunday night I made a new beef enchilada recipe and it was SO very good! Husband has a bit more limited list of favorite foods then I do so I try to listen to his requests, likes, and dislikes when I choose our menu for the week. I have always, always made Chicken Enchiladas (I can't seem to find the recipe online anywhere so I will have to post is later tonight) but Husband asked a while ago if I would make beef instead. Challenge accepted! I very closely based the recipe off of Pioneer Woman's recipe (I stinking LOVE her...anyone else? She cracks me up), found here. (I made only a few tiny changes and will note below).

Beef Enchiladas

Makes 6 large enchiladas

For the sauce:

1 tbsp flour

2 tbsp canola oil (increased from 1 tbsp-this step seemed like it needed a little extra to look like her photo)

1 28 ounce can of red enchilada sauce (I used mild)

2 cups chicken broth

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

For the meat:

1 lb ground beef (I decreased from the original 1 1/2 lbs-since there are only 2 of us)

1 medium white onion, finely diced

1 7 ounce can diced green chilies (decreased from 2 of the 4 ounce cans)

1/2 tsp salt

6 medium flour tortillas (I chose flour tortillas and omitted the frying step)

3 cups grated Mexican blend shredded cheese (instead of Sharp Cheddar)

chopped cilantro for garnish, if you like it, which i do!

Due to Husband's dislikes, I omitted the olives, green onions, and incorporated cilantro...I sprinkled some fresh cilantro on top of my plate and it was delicious!

Directions:

To make the sauce:

In a medium sauce pan, whisk together flour and oil over medium heat and allow to cook for about one minute. Add red sauce, chicken broth, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and allow to simmer while you cook the meat. 

To make the meat:

Cook ground beef and diced onion in a skillet until brown then drain excess fat. Add green chilies and salt. Remove from heat and set aside. 

To assemble:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13 glass baking dish with nonstick spray. Dip each flour tortilla in the sauce and then fill with a large scoop meat mixture and a big pinch of the shredded cheese. Roll up the enchilada and place seam down in baking dish. Repeat with all 6 tortillas. Spoon remaining sauce over meat and top with a generous helping of shredded cheese. Husband loves cheese so in our house the more, merrier!

Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Allow to cool a few minutes before serving. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and light sour cream (this will just make your heart feel better about all the cheese)

This recipe was a HUGE success in our house! And, was much quicker to put together than my normal chicken recipe...although maybe quicker to my waist line as well. ;) If you make this and try any other variations, please let me know! I would love to hear about it!! 

Weekend Recap

We had a fantastic weekend! Friday night, I left the boys at home and went to NWAFW to support my amazing sister, of Mae's Heirlooms, whose jewelry was part of Friday night's show. We had a terrific time! So proud of her and everything she has accomplished with her store!!