Once again...

... same story, different day. Now what can I say other than I've been completely consumed with LIFE! I have had my 2 kids home with me for months... and been traveling to see my family half way across the country, and if that wasn't enough after years of baking & sharing treats with friends I've started up cupcake catering to share with everyone!! Please visit http://www.simply-sweet.ca/ to see pictures of my creations or details on what I offer or you can also follow it on facebook - tell all your friends!!

Vacation

Like all good things, vacations are best enjoyed in moderation. Unfortunately this pale-skinned red head did not follow those guidelines and is enjoyed some really red skin!

Thankfully today is an overcast day that we will spend shopping. Now if I could only had a job I could do some serious damage to my Amex! Hopefully that won't be an issue for much longer, since I am in the process of interviews with a few companies.

The prospect of work brings me to my next question.. can a family with young children survive with 2 parents in high-demand jobs? My husband currently has a job that ties him to his blackberry and the thought that I may soon join him with the job-driven obsession creates mixed feelings. The financial security is an obvious plus, but I cannot help wondering how we will manage it all??? And where will I find time for baking, training and gardening on top of time with the kids... and perhaps a date or two???

Cupcakes

I have decided to take another cake decorating class - fondant & gumpaste. I have realized that I don't think I'll decorate a lot of cakes, but I do enjoy making cupcakes. There is something about making a tiny single-serving cake that you can enjoy & it's tiny enough you don't have to
share!

My focus for baking for the next little while will be cupcakes & trying to create a kick-ass red velvet cupcake!!

Small Rewards

There is something rewarding & maternally satisfying watching something grow that I started from a teeny tiny seed. It's even better when it's vegetables & you'll able to eat the organically grown treats soon too!

Now, I've just got to find recipes for all the tasty things - especially tomatoes. Maybe it's the Newfie in me, but I hate to see anything go to waste. Although my partner/test subject might not agree but I enjoy finding new ways to ensure I use every ounce of the food I grow. Hopefully I'll find some good ones for tomatoes cause thanks to my fetile homemade compost soil I have 60-70 tomato plants (I had almost 90 but gave some away). Anyone want a tomato plant??

Garden Season has Begun

With my first squash (zucchini) harvest the garden season has officially started!!

My tomato plants are flowering, my peas are ready to be picked, my turnip greens are already blanched & in my freezer (if your from NL you know what it it)... and soon hopefully I'll have cucumbers too!

It really does amaze me. I started with tomatoes, peppers and lettuce in plastic buckets on the patio of my single-life apartment. Now 10 years later I have an in-ground garden (that my hunny made me) and plants that come back every year, some with more gusto than I'd like. Just goes to show you what you can do when your determined & have some awesome compost (all the stinky fruit & ved does make a difference). This year everything went so well my tomatoes from last year came back to life & mutlipled... A LOT. I have around 90 growing - not exaggerating I stoped counting at 85!

whine, whine ... and WINE!

I really do love my kids... I just keep telling myself that. I am now a stay-at-home mom of 2 (for a few months, until I hopefully find work) and I wonder if I'll make it! Everyone says little boys are active... I'd like them to spend a day with my monkey! & my sweet baby girl went from 2 teeth to 6 in less than a week. Through all of this, and besides the fact my 3-year old is able to count backwards from 3 I still can't help blessing the people that spend all day taking care of other people's kids. Even though people say kids are easier when they have others to play with, I wouldn't be able to do it.

Thankfully my mom will be here to help for a few weeks. Perhaps then I can cut down the wine (for relaxation... kids in bed at 8:30, wine opened at 8:31) & chocolate (for energy... so tired & it's better than coffee!) & get back at getting into shape.

Strawberry Suprise!

I've had family visiting a lot & have spent time with my sister-in-law. A great part of this (other than seeing my super cute neice) is I get to find all kinds of new recipes!

Here is one that will impress anyone. Homemade Shortcake for Strawberry shortcake!

1 cup of sugar
2 eggs
Mix on low for about 5 minutes

Add:
1/2 cup of warm milk
1 tablespoon of butter
Mix on low for about 3 minutes

Add:
1 cup of flour
1 teaspoon of baking powder
A pinch of salt

Pour into greased square baking dish & abake for approx 25 minutes at 350.

Cut into individual pieces & smother with strawberries & whipped cream! Let your guests add their own toppings. kids will love it! You can also try making a coulee or soak yoru berries in brandy or something fun for adults.