Day: January 5, 2024

Posted in Daily Life as a Parent

Boring Friday

Posted on by Mama

Early morning for us today, but that’s perfectly fine. She began to get fussy around 10:45 this morning, we knew that she needed her walk early. We finally got a bit of snow, unfortunately the sidewalks are more ice then snow. The walk was certainly hazardous for me in my Uggs. I would have to say not the best boots for treacherous winter walks with baby, but damn are they fashionable.

The walk was nice, she fell asleep immediately and it gave my husband and I time to chit chat. However, as per usual, she woke up when we got back to the house. My husband threw on the carrier and held her outside for a bit until she passed out again. We kept her upstairs with grandma, but the nap didn’t last too long. That’s okay, she was in a happy mood.

I put together the playard/bassinet combo my mom had bought for her, which is so spacious and she absolutely loves it. She was in and out of there most the day. I seriously think it was heavenly for her having all that space to herself.

To be quite honest, the day was a bit of a blur. Baby girl keeps me well occupied during the day and when I think I have a moment to myself….I’m usually running around like a chicken with it’s head cut off trying to get things accomplished. Laundry, garbage put together, quick shower (funny story about that) and dinner made.

When people say they have mom brain, I sincerely believe it now. I can’t tell you how many times it’s happened to me since the birth. But today was no exception, it just happened showering. You know how normal people wash their hair, body, shave, whatever. Well, I got the hair washed and shaved my legs, jumped out the shower and realized 10 minutes later I forgot to wash my body. I couldn’t be bothered to jump back in at that point. Now to be fair, it has only been two days since I showered. Don’t judge, it used to be much worse when she was first born. I, at least, am starting to get a normal self-care routine down for myself again.

After my shower, I went up to the kitchen and made a very lazy quick Asian inspired dish. I had no plan for dinner tonight and frankly, I didn’t have the energy to cook though I did it anyway. The day just tired me out. Baby girl was a bit clingy for me today, so i kept having to pick her up or take her my mother or husband. She only wanted mommy today. Not that I minded, I love baby girl snuggles, could use with less drool but whatcha gonna do!

My husband went to his weekly Muay Thai sparring session. He thoroughly enjoys it and it gets him out of the house. This gives him time to do something he truly enjoys, exercise and to socialize with all his fighting buddies. But now he’s home and it’s daddy on duty because Mama bear needs a break!

So here I am writing this rather boring Friday post, and wondering what to do for tomorrow. Maybe we will go to the park tomorrow for a nice long walk and I can take some nice photos. I’ll upload some nature photos if we go. But for now, I think I’m going to relax, throw on a Tyler Hynes movie (My Hallmark boyfriend as my husband calls him) and call it a night.

Ciao!

P.S. – If you are interested in my bread recipe, I posted that today too! Go check it out and get in the kitchen to try it for yourself.

Posted in Recipes

Simple Bread Recipe

Posted on by Mama

You might be thinking, hold on….an early post? Why yes, my daughter went down for a nap because grandma has the magic touch. Plus grandma spoiled her and got her this really amazing playard/bassinet combo, which is enormously spacious. Needless to say, she is a happy camper with grandma today.

Now here I am, taking a moment to post my very simple and adaptable bread recipe for all to try. I haven’t fiddled around with sourdough bread, which is one of my goals this year. BUT, if you want to stop buying over priced, over processed and over preservative breads in the store than look no further!

Just an FYI, you can use a stand mixer if you choose to, but I’m a little old fashioned and prefer to do this by hand with a spatula or wooden spoon. The dough is fairly sticky but so worth it!

Simple Rustic Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

  1. 3 1/3 cups (434g) of flour
  2. 1 packet of active dry yeast or 2 1/4 teaspoons
  3. 2 teaspoons of salt
  4. 1 2/3 cups (395 ml) of warm water

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the flour, yeast and salt.
  2. Pour warm water over the dry ingredients
  3. Mix until well combined. The dough will be very wet and sticky. At this point you can add additional flour if desired.
  4. Place the dough in the centre of the bowl, scrapping all the excess from the sides. Lightly coat the top with cooking spray or a bit of oil. Then cover tightly with plastic wrap. Then place a tea towel over that.
  5. Place the dough in a warm spot; such as near an oven or an oven with the light on.
  6. Let the dough rise for at least 2-3 hours. It should double in size.
  7. Use a spatula or clean lightly oiled hands to loosen the dough from the bowl and dump the dough on a well floured surface. Proceed to fold the dough into it’s self a few times before forming into a loaf.
    • NOTE: You can easily skip this step and place the dough directly into a prepped loaf pan if you are in a hurry or lazy (like me most days!)
  8. Place the bread into a parchment lined loaf pan or dutch oven (make sure you heat your dutch oven before placing the parchment and dough inside).
  9. Oven temperature is 450 Degrees. Bake for about an hour, but be sure to check the bread at the 45 minute mark. If you are using a dutch oven: bake covered for 40 minutes then uncover for the remainder of the cook time. The bread should be golden brown and a toothpick should come out clean.
  10. Place bread on a wire rack to cool for at least 1 hour before eating.

Side notes:

  • If you wish to add other ingredients such as cheddar and jalapeno. Add the ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well before adding your water.
  • You can place the prepared and covered dough in the fridge over night or for up to three days. But make sure when you take out the dough, allow to come to room temperature before baking.That’s usually about an hour to 1 1/2 hours.
  • Have fun with it! Adapt as you need to and make up your own breads.

Well I hope you enjoy and get in the kitchen. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty!

Ciao!!