I am glad it's Monday...

I never thought that I would ever say that I am glad that it is Monday, I usually don't ever want the weekend to be over. But this time there is an exception.

We had such a busy weekend, and today things can get back to normal. 

The house needs to get cleaned, laundry needs to be done, and we need to recover from the weekend. 

On saturday we went to church and then had company over for the rest of the day. 

On Sunday we went out to brunch, stroll in downtown, shopping, visit the MIL, and then my grandpa's birthday party.

(going out to brunch)

(waiting for our food)

(stroll in downtown, getting our feet wet)

So you can just imagine the state of my house right now?  Today everything will  get organized and put in its rightful place. As soon as everything like it is supposed to be, I will be able to enjoy my day.

How was your weekend? 

Progress in the Family Room

There is finally some progress in our family room! (remember this post?)

We decided not to DIY this one ourselves. (mostly because this is hubby's busy season and he just does not have time) However, hubby found an excellent carpenter to help us out with our fireplace.

I have to say, I can not wait to see the finished product!

Stay tuned for more updates :)

Visiting a postpartum mother....

 I dropped some food off at my cousins house who just had a baby, and it really got me thinking about when I had my babies. I liked having company over to visit me and see my baby.  However, there were a few cases where I couldn't wait till the company went home. 

So I figured that I would do a little list on what to do and not to do when visiting a postpartum mother

1. Call before hand. Don't just show up at the door step. Ask when you can stop by for a brief visit. Most of the time we new moms are in sweats or PJs all day. If we know you are coming we could at-least put some clothes on :).

2. Bring food. Weather it is a casserole you make or a fruit tray you buy. A new mother is always hungry. Don't ask her if you can bring food. Just do it.  Most new moms in our culture are unlikely to ask for help. 

3. If you bring food, make sure it is not in any of your plates or tupperware which she needs to give back. The last thing a new mom needs, is to try and remember which plate belongs to whom and when and how she will return it. Use disposable containers. Or if you use tupperware, tell her that she can keep it.

4. Skip the perfume. Little babies are sensitive to smells, you don't want them to get a allergic reaction.

5. Wash your hands before you ask to hold the baby.

6. If you are a smoker, Please don't ask to hold the baby. Last thing a mom wants is to expose her new baby to second hand smoke.

6. Don't give unwanted advice. What my aunts used to say: put the baby down, you are going to spoil him/her. I just want to hold my new baby, It does not mean I am spoiling him/her.
If the mother asks you for your opinion, only then give her your advice.

7. Don't hog the baby. Hold the baby for a few minutes. Then give the baby back. I was most comfortable while holding the baby myself.

8. Ask if you can do anything to help out. Wash that sinkful of dishes, fold some laundry. Pick up the scattered toys.

9. Don't expect the mom to play hostess, fetching you tea or coffee. You are there to see the new baby, not there for lunch. (Unless the mom invites you over to lunch, then ask what you can do to help or hold the baby while she does what she needs to do)

10. Keep your visit brief. The mom is tired. Nursing, cuddling, changing diapers takes all day. Especially if she has little toddlers to take care of as well. Stay 15-30 minutes max.  I remember people overstaying their welcome, it was not pleasant.

If you remember these tips, the mom will be grateful and will return the favor the next time you have a baby.


Hope this is helpful. :)

This weeks project...

I was at Joanne's this week, just browsing... Looking for something to inspire me. 

I saw this polka dotted fabric.  I have wanted a polka dotted skirt for such a long time.

  

I picked up a yard of this polka dotted fabric. It was $9.99 for the yard. Minus the 20%.

So technically this skirt cost me $8!

Not bad, don't you think? 

If you want to make yourself a skirt like this, you can follow this tutorial. 

Thanks for visiting. :)

Spaghetti Bolognese

I remember making this dish back at home before I got married (7 years ago)

Everyone loved it, and mom asked me to make it almost every Friday. 

Now I make it for my family and we all love it!

PRINT RECIPE HERE

Ingredients:

1 lb of beef chopped into bite sized pieces

2 stalks of celery 

1 carrot 

1 large onion 

4 garlic cloves 

1 16 oz can of petite diced tomatoes

1 6oz can of tomato paste

1 sprig of rosemary

1 sprig of thyme

1/2 tsp of dried oregano

salt/pepper

cayenne pepper

olive oil

Spaghetti pasta

1. Wash, clean, peel the celery, carrot and onions. Finely chop everything. Mince the garlic.

2. Season the chopped meat with salt and pepper and saute in hot olive oil

3. When meat is browned, add diced vegetables, onions and garlic.

4. Saute for about 3-5 minutes. 

5. Add the tomato paste, and saute for another 5 minutes.

6. Add the can of diced tomatoes to the meat mixture. Add 2 cups of hot water, herbs salt and pepper taste. 

7. Turn the heat to low and simmer for about 1 1/2 hours. Stirring from time to time. 

8. Bring salted water to a boil, and cook the pasta.

9. Drain the pasta in a strainer. Toss with olive oil and salt 

10. When the sauce is done cooking, taste and adjust seasoning if needed (add cayenne pepper if you want) Serve on top of the spaghetti. 

11. Add grated parmesan cheese if desired. 

ENJOY 

Flowers from the hubby...

This week has been like a blur, maybe because it was raining and cold the whole week and we didn't get out much. I was feeling a little down. Hubby has been working late and I was very tired.

I guess hubby could sense that I needed a little pick me up :)

As I walked into the kitchen,  I  noticed some flowers and little white box sitting on the counter. 

That just put a big smile on my face. 

I love it when hubby surprises me and gets me flowers, especially when there is no special occasion. I ran out to the garage and gave my hubby a big kiss. 

Aren't they just beautiful:

Here is what was in the little white box. 

And let me tell you, it was Delicious. With a capital D.

Thank you Hubby!