Oh boy, it's been a hot minute huh? That month of March, we're just gonna toss that one right in the waste bin please. While, ok yes, it wasn't all bad. There were citrus kale salads and garden tea punch. But man, that month life got real life-y and I'm so happy to see you on the other side of it.
I feel like we've been living in the House of 1,000 Plagues. Someone is constantly sick, giving it to someone else...I've started asking if we can get a frequent flyer card at the pediatrician.
Not a joke.
How do you keep well? Are you a vitamin taker? Orange juice drinker? Stay five feet away from children at all times? Not sure if that one will work out for me though...
Anyways, I think, everyone is on the mend finally. HOW ARE YOU?
Springtime Tulips
Did you have a few teaser days of warmer weather? Because we did and now my brain is ready to just hurdle right past spring into summer.
Every "oh shoot it's going to frost tomorrow," just after fall, Henry plants hundreds of Tulips in our front yard. Everyone in the neighborhood looks forward to their happy appearance. Little green shoots are started to rocket skyward and I am so excited.
If you're in the New England area and want some seriously instal-worthy tulip photos, definitely check out Wicked Tulips Flower Farm. It's in Johnston, RI and tickets sell out super fast. You get to stroll through an pick tulips amongst rows and rows of beautiful fresh flowers.
Or you could come hang out with me in our front yard. That's an option too I guess, not quite as flowery but you can't beat the company.
And once the petals fall off, we rip them out and the summer garden goes in. For an 8x10 space, it gets the job done. Do you have a summer garden? What are your go to plants?
Game of Thrones Everything
If you don’t watch the show, the good news is you only have a few more days until we all shut it about the season premiere. If you DO watch the show, WE ONLY HAVE A FEW MORE DAYS BEFORE THE SEASON PREMIERE!
Have you been rewatching to gear up for Sunday? We watched a few oldies here and there and had some aha moments. Last year we threw a viewing party but this year we have to be responsible parents and business owners and what not (sigh). So the parties is out for us, but maybe not for you!
This buzzfeed list has a bunch of great ideas for at home recipes!
On Wednesday we threw a GoT pop up dinner at the restaurant. The menu was seriously SO good.
My highest recommendations for the wildfire taco, Lannister gold mac and cheese, bend the knee, and Cersei's chocolate cheesecake.
Some tips...
Wildfire Taco
Sliced cabbage quick pickled in apple cider vinegar mixed with Wilton 'Leaf Green' Dye. Spicy pepper sauce was ridiculous with super spicy heat upfront that mellowed out fast with a pleasant sweetness. I don't have a recipe for that, but it was made with roasted, long hot peppers then blended (seeds and all) with orange juice, molasses, ginger paste, a little salt and a smidge of mayo.
Sounds weird, totally delish.
Lannister Gold Mac and Cheese
For this choose your favorite super cheesy mac and cheese recipe - I love this one from Stress Baking - and top with edible flaked gold.
Cerise's Chocolate Cheesecake
This was soon good. So creamy, chocolatey, smooth. Just follow the same procedure for my New York Style Cheesecake but with these ingredients:
- 4 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup cocoa powder, sifted
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- chocolate graham cracker crust
Bend the Knee
This was by far the most popular cocktail. We made a traditional Bees Knees cocktail, but served it over crushed ice with a lemon wheel on fire (fire and ice, get it?). The lemon wheels you should leave out overnight to dry out, soak in 151 the next day and then light on fire at service.
Some other ideas for your view party should definitely include
Are you having a party? Just making a few dishes for your family? Tell me your plans in the comments!
Spring Mind Set
So, I've been listening to 'You are a Badass' on audible in the car lately. Lots of good stuff, but as an inherent skeptic some is just a bit too froo froo for me. One thing I am taking away is to give more gratitude in my every day life.
It's definitely helped me keep a positive outlook in the short span of time since I started, I'll report back with more at a later date!
The other day I was totally beat. Just pooped, but there was so much on my to do list (because when is there not?) So I sat on the floor and did some yoga breathing and just focused on my breath and my posture for 5 minutes. Getting up I felt more energized and tackled a bunch of shit on the list. It was good. Maybe next time you're dragging ass give it a shot? What are your techniques for staying focused and motivated?
And on that note, I know thats not technically four things but that's the kind of week we're having. Lots to do, babies needing naps, cleaning to be done and a quick spin calling my name. What's on deck for your weekend? Let me know something good below!
Leslie Kiszka says
1) DEAR LORD I love that mac and cheese.
2) Even though I don't watch Game of Thrones, I intend to make that cake for my husband for when HE watches it. And if he doesn't finish it in one sitting, I'll taunt him.
Lauren says
Just start saying, "shame" over and over. He'll get it.