Cranberries, cinnamon, twigs, and the table

This year, I've decided to make the holidays simple. That means lots of homemade presents, a small spread of gifts under the tree, holiday outings like going to the local Christmas parade, and a table setting that also says "simple" but elegant.

I've always wanted to try putting small bits of things in glass and placing them on a table. This is my version of the idea on a green table runner. I may add a tablecloth but haven't found the right one so I may use an antique crocheted one I have.

The glasses are holding cinnamon sticks, crranberries, and twigs with yellow berries. On the table are a few pine cones and clear ornaments.

Even with how busy my day is, this was easy to do.

July 4th recipes for Red, White, and Blue fun

Happy 4th of July readers!

It's time again for barbecues, fireworks, and family get-togethers. Pack up the picnic gear, heat up the grill, (if you're here in the South be sure to slather on the insect repellent), and get ready to enjoy the best summer holiday. It's always a great opportunity to sample some of the fresh local produce picked at the peak of ripeness so be sure to visit your local farmers market or vegetable stand!

If you're a busy momma, then chances are you're still trying to pull it all together for tonight. (Don't worry, I fall into this category so no judgement here.) But here are a few of our family's favorite last-minute holiday recipes.

Fresh local fruit

Watermelon never tasted better than now! Slice up a sweet red melon and buy extras for watermelon eating contests-- it's a menu item and party game all in one.

Other tasty fruits include blueberries and strawberries. Walmart has strawberries for only $.98 per container so stock up! (We sliced six cartons and put them in freezer bags to enjoy later this winter.) We enjoy serving our berries with fresh whipped cream. The more talented mommies can make an American flag out of fruit-topped fresh whip.

Corn-on-the-grill

There are a few ways to grill corn. One favorite is to husk the heads and place them in tin foil with butter, salt, and pepper. Cover and place on grill until tender crisp. The second way is to keep the corn in the loosened husk and grill on a rack or to the side of the coals, turning often until tender crisp.

July 4th pudding cookies

A different take on pudding is to make festive cookie. Start by mixing up a standard vanilla (or bananna) pudding recipe. Add red or blue food coloring and spread between two Vanilla cookies. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Juciest burgers ever!

Or... at least that's what the recipe says. This year I'm trying a recipe for the "juciest" grilled burgers from All Recipies.com. The recipe calls for 2lbs ground beef, 1 beaten egg, 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs (I reduced this to about 1/2 cup), 3 Tbs milk, 2 Tbs Worcestershire sauce, 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper, and 2 cloves minced garlic. Mix together and form into patties before grilling.

The verdict has not come in yet on these, but I love that this site allows other cooks to leave feedback and rate the recipe.

Bon apetit

"Appy Mommy Day!"

Mother's Day 2011

6:30 am call from the event company.. Aparantly they forgot I'm off today
Breakfast shared with Maddox who always begs for my fruit AND his; what can I say? I unknowingly taught him to eat off my plate.
Quick kitchen sweep up of crumbs and things the dogs dragged in
Early morning bath for our bulldog while Maddox got fully soaked/covered in dog hair while still in pajamas
Quick change and off to the barn with my mini equestrian sidekick
Bareback horse rides
Bath for the horse and a hoof trim while Maddox fed her weeds and helped dry her off... while I was still washing
A walk with the dogs while Maddox called out "come! come!" to the canines
A visit to the car wash and much-needed cleaning and vaccuming of the mom-mobile
Stop at Publix to pick up diapers
Quick drive through McDonald's for an iced coffee refresher
Shower
Picked up Dad for lunch at Royal Tai (Who loves sticky rice? Two-year-olds do!)

Naps all around

How was your "Mommy Day?"

All I want this Mother's Day...

Mother's Day is a yearly event dedicated to pampering the child-rearers of the world and showering them with appreciation. Well... at least in theory.

But what really matters to a mother? What does she most want?

I could say that the average mother wants to be remembered with homemade cards, breakfast made by her small brood, and maybe a bouquet of flowers--hand picked are extra special. (Fond memories at our house growing up were the "Mom project" gifts that became keepsakes: pottery we painted, a painted box for jewelry, a clay necklace, and a tiny clay koala. And while these things make sweet memories, this year I'm going to go just a little deeper with my wish.

So what do I really want this year?

On a very raw level, I just want to know that my son is safe and secure. My wishes are for him: that he stays healthy and strong; That he will always be kind and compassionate; That he will learn how to deal with adversity and develop a strong character; That he will have a strong sense of what is right and what is wrong and be able to stand up for what he should; For him to find what he is passionate about early in life and develop those things into lifelong talents. 

Having children is a blessing, not a right. And I'm thankful he came into my life.

What are your wishes for Mother's Day this year?