Last week I was a bit of a negative Nancy.
And by bit, I mean a walking, talking, raging, wounded sub-humanoid, seeping venom at every step. The Hubby kept it more succinct and said, “you seem angry.”
In any event, my Femme Fatale (I’m talking about Aunt Flo or in more socially deviant circles known as Cousin Cramps and Bleeds A Lot) showed up unexpectedly and it all made sense, especially the headaches and those late night sessions with the strawberry rhubarb coffee cake, the not so leftover pizza, both chocolate bars and those salty and satisfying potato chips with ruffles, because they’re better for scooping up dip. Mmmm chip dip.
Instead of leaving you with the lovely image of me sucking salt off my fingers, and not just the tips, I’ve decided to switch things up today and share what’s making my heart go pitter-patter. Ya know, the stuff of rainbows, unicorn farts and puppy dog tears. That’s right, I’m sending sunshine up your keister and mine.
Warning, this could tickle.
Motherhood. I’m actually starting to enjoy this whole stay at home mom thing now. Park play dates, slides, swings, and things, trips to the zoo, splash pads, library runs, not to mention a tremendous lack of job stress. Teething aside, it’s getting kind of magical, although we need to keep this one on the D.L. since I wouldn’t want to ruin my reputation as a hard ass…with an urban farm, a love of yoga, and a crisp glass of white wine on a summer evening. Clearly, these things cry out Ninja Warrior.
Eat Yo’ Veggies (and Fruit). Tis the season, at least here in Ohio after all. Thanks to the re-emergence of farmers markets, my CSA commencing, and my garden growing, I’m knee-deep in greens and strawberries and loving every minute of it. I know, I know, it’s the honeymoon phase to be sure, but I’m going to lap it up and by lap, I mean lick.
Ave’s Edibles. I’m not talking about some kind of marijuana shaped baked good with the face of my baby imprinted in poppy seeds and dusted with confectioners sugar. No, I mean the tiny dictator is a champion eater. She consumes practically everything we throw at her from smoked salmon to olives, green and black, to kale chips to pesto by the spoonful and even turnip fritters. Of course, she inhales the usual things like beans, potatoes (this one is in her DNA), cheese, pancakes, granola, pizza, and avocados. I have no idea how we got so lucky but I’m rolling with it.
(“I want YOU…to eat your kale chips.”)
Pedicures. Self care is totally bad ass. I have to keep my ninja toes in peak performing condition. After all, you never know when you have to throw on your cape and save the day.
The Double Dog. If you’re gonna eat a hotdog, and I recommend you do, then it’s gotta be two. It makes for the perfect bun to meat ratio. Anything else is substandard and overly bready, and you know I love my carbs.
Speaking of carbs, I think it’s time for me to go see if there’s any crunchy crumbs left in that chip bag. If not, I suppose I could eat the rest of the dip with a spoon. It’s a rough life, but somebody’s gotta live it.
What do you think about The Double Dog? What’s making you happy lately?
Omg….. the double dog. I have never thought of this….. and I am excited to partake in this double meat cuisine. Genius.
Lately swimming and watermelon prettttty much floats my boat! So glad melon season is upon us again!
I can’t wait for our first watermelon of the season. Right now, I’m happily gorging myself on strawberries and cherries.
Meghan recently posted…Sunshine Keister
Ohhhhh yeah baby baby! i’m so happy Ave is such an awesome eater! She could teach Lulu Bell a thing or five. Lulu’s been a little picky lately and it’s not all her fault. With our new schedules and her teething, I think she’s entitled to a little more rebellious. She’s choosing mostly crackers and tofu and blueberries lately, and her tastes literally change daily so as I type this I could be wrong. I don’t mind at all, I just feel guilty that I don’t cook these days. Daddy however is the best and cooks us all kinds of yummy meals 2-3 nights a week. Date nights are back and they are making me happy. And my brother being in town. Although we are literally all sick, I’m still happy underneath my mountain of snot and phlegm.
Hooray for family being in town and the reappearance of date nights. Don’t worry about the cooking. It’ll happen when you’re ready and in the meantime, there’s dad. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Sunshine Keister
There is nothing better than vanilla ice cream and fresh strawberries. One of my favorite combos. I don’t know why the hell I’ve never double-dogged it, though!! Um, hello? It seems so obvious now…
New haircuts and warm weather has been making me happy lately. I’m also getting into a routine again with exercise and I forgot how much better I feel when I don’t sit on my ass. Go figure!
Heather Shoberg recently posted…Road Trip Part 6 – South Dakota Reptiles
Ah yes, exercise….I still need to work that into my routine. Le sigh. One day. In the meantime, I’m enjoying this glorious weather right along with you.
Meghan recently posted…Sunshine Keister
Not to be gross or anything but we might be twinning about something monthly right now. Getting back to my pretzels and chocolate. ..
Wahoo on having one of the rare non-picky little eaters out there! How does Ave feel about the sweet side of life/food? P. is surprisingly not much of a fan. He’s still getting minimal sugar and the times he does get a bite of cake or something, he either spits it out or doesn’t show any further interest.
Sunshine is making me majorly happy these days. Ironically, it’s starting to rain as I’m typing this but the day was amazing.
On a final note, I’m happy that motherhood makes you happy. It’s definitely a tough job so all the more kudos to you.
Miss Polkadot recently posted…Changing [habits, wardrobe and routines]
She likes some sweet things although it took her a little longer to get on board. I’ve kept her sugar inhalation minimal and mostly natural up to this point, although I let her have a few bites of strawberry rhubarb crisp earlier this week and she loved it.
Meghan recently posted…Sunshine Keister
Despite my pork consumption while exploring Ireland, I don’t think I could commit to the double dog. But good on ya for going big! I’m so happy that you’re enjoying motherhood. You are a great mama, and I love ya.
Brittany recently posted…Causeway Coastal Route, N. Ireland
I had no idea you indulged in some pork in Ireland. Wow, I’m impressed and here I just wanted you to drink beer. 🙂
Love you too Boo.
Meghan recently posted…Sunshine Keister
I LOVE that Ave eats everything! And you should too! Because just wait a year, year and a half, or even two….just Sayin’. All that she can’t get enough of now…. I know, mood kill.
To all of the rest, I am so glad that you’re feeling so happy! I am too for some reason. I think for me it is the weather and that all of My grownup kiddos are seeming so settled in and just good!
There is a very old saying….”A mother is only as happy as her most unhappy child.” At times I have felt that. I’ve wondered in the wisdom of making sure my children could rely on being able to come to us at any age with any trouble they felt they needed to talk out with us. Be careful what you offer! They sometimes heal and move on but forget to let you know that they have and leave you behind still losing sleep!
Cute feet are as important in an emergency room as clean undies!
I love a good dog, an old fashioned ‘original kosher, all Beef natural casing” about twice a year, never a vegetarian stand in. But I couldn’t find room for a double, or even the bun, though my eyes say yes! All of the “fixings” too, on the side. And yes please, to the extra crisp on the grill preparation!
Oh yes, hotdogs need to be charred on the grill to be good. No brown marks, and I’m out.
I’m waiting for the day for her to suddenly hate all food (I was the pickiest eater growing up), but in the meantime, I’m just going to keep on pushing everything I can. I figure my days are numbered.
Meghan recently posted…Sunshine Keister
But other that….and bacon…and not very often either, I am a pretty loyal almost vegetarian!
You and me both.
Meghan recently posted…Week in Review: My Secret Lover Edition (#88)
Oh my god the double dog. That solves all the problems!! Damn hot dog buns. Always overcrowding the good stuff.
I’m no expert on baby-eats, but I’m pretty sure Ave has the taste buds of a 40 year old. Olives? Really? Way to go chicky!! I also think you could take “Ave’s Edibles” on the road if this whole at-home mom thing takes a down turn.
I welcome anytime you need to blow off some steam, but I loveee when you’re sporting your fresh-berry-season glow.
Cora recently posted…Feelings and Food: My Struggles With Intuitive Eating
My fresh berry glow is my favorite time of year. It’s like a honeymoon phase every summer.
Meghan recently posted…Sunshine Keister
I have so many comments on the double dog… I spewed my wine when I read that. You owe me a sip. Of the wine, not the dog.
I’m happy your enjoying stay at home life. I think I’d do the same. You can always have an organization/naughty sticker business one the side. 😉
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…Easy Tomato-Basil Cottage Cheese Crepes
Come to Cleveland and I’ll give you an entire bottle of wine. You can help me chase after Ave.
Meghan recently posted…Sunshine Keister
Bring on all the strawberries!!! Seriously, you are winning at this mom thing. Kudos for raising a non-picky eater even if she does enjoy the food so much that she applies it on her face.
Coloring has recently made me happy–definitely bad ass-ery right there.
Kaylee recently posted…Week(days) in Review
I can’t take credit for the eating business. I think at this age, you’re either lucky or not and we drew the tall straw. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Sunshine Keister
All the fresh fruits and veggies available add a little extra pizzazz to the kitchen experience. I made vegan paella for the first time last night, to use up some soon to be composted mushrooms and zucchini. It was pretty tasty. Go Ave! Her palette is more sophisticated than most adults 🙂
Evangeline recently posted…A New Look + 5 Step Banana Muffins (vegan + gluten free)
Oh yum, paella is so delicious and something I don’t make often enough. Good for you for whipping it up.
Meghan recently posted…Sunshine Keister
Ironically, I stumbled onto the double dog idea myself a few weeks back, primarily out of necessity. When all you have to eat is hot dogs and the only buns you have are hamburger buns, then the double dog burger quickly becomes appealing. Mix in a lack of motivation to got to the store and boom!, it was magic. Better yet, I did it with Kielbasa too, by cutting the pieces in half and stacking them in alternating directions, with copious quantities of grilled onions in between. Yum!
A double dog burger!! I like this out of the box thinking.
Meghan recently posted…Sunshine Keister
Double dog is genius. I would also stick some cheese on that. Things making me happy lately: new jeans, cold beer, frose drinks, cheap rose from trader joe’s, upcoming vacay (much needed), and my boyfriend.
Yes! Cheese for the win. Enjoy your upcoming vacation!! I hope you’re going somewhere fun.
Meghan recently posted…Sunshine Keister
No no no no no, see, I cut my wiener in HALF (down the middle) to achieve the perfect meat-bun ratio! And I LOAD it with mustard. YUMMMM. I find that being a stay at home mom is a lot easier in the summer, until they start getting old enough to go to school, then they get super in my face all summer long and then there is NO time that being a stay at home mom is fun. HA HA HA! Just kidding. Mostly.
Suzy recently posted…From Lush to Hush
I used to cut my hot dog down the middle and then add cheddar cheese for the last couple minutes until it melted and was all oozy gooey good. I would skip the bun altogether and cut it up and dip it in ketchup like a five year old. Come to think of it, that sounds pretty good to me right now. Ha!
Meghan recently posted…Week in Review: My Secret Lover Edition (#88)
Your toe nails and my finger nails are the same color right now 🙂 It’s a beautiful color for the summer.
I still find it really funny that of all meat options out there the one you like is a hot dog. But I am with you on a good meat to bread ratio being more on the meat side. Also a lot of sauce is a must!
Speaking of carbs, I have developed an obsession with snack pretzels. I think it’s my next big food phase. It could be worse though I still wait for the day when one of my big food phases finally is something really nutritious ;-P
Juli@1000lovelythings recently posted…The One were I took a break from everything
I love a good red nail. Also your new profile picture is gorgeous!!
I think the reason I like hotdogs and bacon is because their texture is so different from most other meat. Either that or I just have terrible taste. 🙂 🙂
I just snacked on Ave’s pretzel sticks dipped in honey nut roasted peanut butter. It was perfection.
Meghan recently posted…Week in Review: My Secret Lover Edition (#88)
Why have I never thought to double dog it? genius
Patrick@looneyforfood.com recently posted…Total Body HIIT and Strength Workout in 45 minutes
Right. We should capitalize on this double dog business.
Meghan recently posted…Week in Review: My Secret Lover Edition (#88)
I love the way you do hotdogs, and that is so wonderful that Ave is not picky! I was the pickiest little girl growing up. O_O
I was so picky too so I’m just absolutely thankful Ave didn’t get that from me.
Meghan recently posted…Week in Review: My Secret Lover Edition (#88)