Life

Jitter Glitter

first day of schoolMy baby child has started kindergarten and it is giving me all the feels. I can’t believe she is gone ALL day long at school. My house is cleaner than its been since she arrived 5.5 years ago, though. Her sweet teacher gave her a little bag of glitter to put under her pillow before the first day of school. I needed that glitter more than her. I’ve already messed up pick up and drop off protocol and so far, my stomach has been upset every morning I’ve had to drop her off. Maybe I should put some Imodium under my pillow. I hope she continues to pop out of bed excited to learn. It’s the most bittersweet experience.

Now I have to find ways to fill up my days that don’t completely revolve around house work. Otherwise, I’m going to lose my friggin mind. I’ve already signed up to volunteer at my church once a week. I’m considering becoming an “assistant” room parent, which is probably going to be a mistake but you live and you learn!

Holidays, Life

Grey winter days

I am so ready for spring now that the holidays are over. Taking down all the decorations really make me sad. All the colorful lights and the fresh smelling tree with all it’s brilliant decorations. Sigh. Especially here in the south, it is so gloomy in the winter time. It will be super cold and not snow, or it will warm up and rain. (go home mother nature, your drunk). Instead of pining for warmer (see also sunny) weather, I’m focusing my attention on the next decorate-able holiday, Valentines!

I actually do not have that many Valentine decorations, but I am going to try and remedy that this year. I’ve been browsing Pinterest and looking through magazines. There’s no rule that says I am not allowed to over do it for all the holidays. Currently, I am making poms. Not sure yet what I am going to do, but when I do know – I will have a crap ton of poms waiting in the wings.

Happy Friday Eve!

Cooking

Instant Pot – here goes nothing

Soo… I broke down and bought an Instant Pot. I know that I am a little late to the game, I actually bought it for myself after Christmas since the new ones have gone on sale. I am both scared and excited to use it. I REALLY hope I don’t blow my face off trying to make some beef stew.

I’ve been scouring Pinterest for any and every Instant Pot recipe that I can find. I even added a new board to my already overloaded account JUST for Instant Pot recipes. I also ran out to the bookstore and bought these two books. They are both really good. If I had to pick one, it would be “How to Instant Pot”. Very informative and shows you how to translate your crockpot meals to pressure cooker meals thereby cutting the time in a third! Yay!

I haven’t yet cooked anything in it, but I wanted to share a few links to some recipes that I am particularly excited to get started on.

  1. Beef Stew (always a favorite)
  2. French Dip (this looks insane.)
  3. Chicken Taco bowls (I love anything with the word “bowl” in it)
  4. 10 Minute Baked Potato Soup (did someone say 10 minutes?)
  5. Brisket Sliders (shut the front door)
  6. Mac and Cheese (for the kids, right?)
  7. Beef Gyros (I’m so hungry right now)