Something's Cooking

You know that feeling when you're just tired of the same ole, same old? You've had all the pasta you can handle and you've cooked all the ground beef in 20 million different ways. What's even more challenging is that now you have food allergies and your oldest became a vegetarian who grumbles at every dessert left waiting in the refrigerator.

Goodness. I simply want something different, yet the same.

I want the same reaction when dinner was served and we ate as a family.

I want the same reaction when "what's for dessert?" was asked.

I want the same reaction when everyone was fed and done and I would hear, "thanks mami, that was yummy!"

But time does continue to move forward and things do change and you do run out of ideas and space and the chairs that once held seats for your family are empty. But before this sounds like a sad story of an empty nester single mom, I do remember one thing that has remained the same.

I embrace moments of clarity.

I had the same single thought yesterday, and then last night, and then again this morning when I read a previous post I accidentally came across while looking for a recipe. 

I still cook. I still enjoy eating delicious meals and I very much enjoy company and hearing others share about their days, lives, families...or whatever. I also really enjoy reading what I have written to capture a moment, either what is noted in my journal or skimming blog posts from the past.

To me they have become therapeutic and healing to my mind and soul, just like comfort food or even a favored dessert is to my taste buds. They are different, but the same. Why not write and share again?

So I've dusted off some cobwebs and browsed the life that surrounds me.  I'm looking forward to the new in the old and what lies ahead. So if you are also tired of everything feeling repetitive and you're wishing for a change, there may just be a new perspective or a moment of clarity over the horizon, corner store or journal entry. 

Something is definitely cooking and I'm looking forward to participating.

Hope your day is Simply Divine!

Not mine...but a giveaway none the less!

Only if you have been hiding under a rock do you have any excuse to not know who The Pioneer Woman is.  Just in case you don't know who she is and so you don't think I'm judging you harshly, I'm sure the rock you were under is a pretty one and very comfy :)

For the thousands of men, women and children (and my 16 readers) who know who Ree Drummond is, you probably know about her giveaways.  And if you don't, this is your lucky day!

Now, why am I sharing another blogger's post?  Well, just look at this:

 

(Beautiful, custom mixer designed by Nicole at Un Amore )

Can you believe she is giving away THREE of these!  How cool is that?!!

Plus, she is also including her cookbook in the giveaway:

 

Go over to her site. You'll love it. And enter the contest. I hope you win! Well, I hope I win but if I don't...I hope it's YOU! :)

Click here => Enter to win Orange Floral Mixer

I'm giddy just looking at it!

Happy Baking!

Love is in the air

Yes, you don't see me very much anymore. I know. I know. Sad face.  But I'm still here. I still love to bake and I especially love being inspired by the million, billion, zillion cupcake decorators out there.

I think even aliens are joining the cupcake craze.

Aren't they so cute?!!! They tasted even better. I loved making them.

Today in my browsing around and looking for inspiration for a potential upcoming wedding, I either found Super Bowl cupcakes or Valentine's Day cupcakes.

I thought to myself..."I want one."

So instead, I'm going to share mine with you.

Ahhhh....Isn't it just dreamy?

Happy Baking!