Word count today: 432
Aye.
Behind.
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In the weeds.
Final word count yesterday: 1,388
(Listen. The Voice was on and I got distracted.)
Final word count today: 934
(Listen. I have kids and they are super distracting.)
Uggh. I’m already behind and I just started. Maybe 1,500 words was a little ambitious . . . but at least I’m writing. That counts for something, right?
Las Vegas Library Love.
The book that inspired my love of pancakes for dinner.
Confession: I have not been inspired in the kitchen lately.
Mostly because the majority of my free time has been spent with my nose buried in a book. Reading has taken over my life and I’ve been cooking just to survive. We eat really boring non-blog worthy things like spaghetti and stir-fry and pancakes for dinner (although my kids are big supporters of this option). Oh, and Cafe Rio.
I’ve discovered the wondrous beauty of the Las Vegas Library District and I am in bookworm heaven. Seriously, the libraries here are the best I have ever seen. By far, my favorite thing about the valley.
Why so great? Because of how integrated everything is. You can request books online from other neighborhood branches and can pick them up at your local library. This makes the selection endless. And easy. There’s self checkout. Friendly librarians. Great kid areas with puzzles and a gazillion books. It’s free.
Oh, and the 50 book limit doesn’t hurt too. At this very moment I have *ahem* 12 holds, 2 ready to pick up and 38 books currently check out. Sheeeeesh. Don’t worry, not all these books are for my perusal. (I haven’t completely ignored my family.) My kids contribute to that large stash too.
We’ve discovered some of my old favorites like Nate the Great (the inspiration for our meal of pancakes) and the funny illustrations of James Marshall. The kids have found current-day books to lose themselves too, like anything Star Wars for my three-year-old and my big girl is getting her feet wet with Ivy + Bean.
If anyone was to ask me at this very moment how I like living here, I would jump up and shout, “It’s great! I have access to a lot of books!”
The tourists may think the Las Vegas is all about the Strip (and food), but this local knows it’s all about the library (and still food). (Also, can I consider myself a local yet?)
I’ve been reading not just for my enjoyment, but for research too. Writing a book, a book for middle grade kids, has been on my bucket list for a long time. You know, it’s one of those things I wanted to do when I grew up and it’s about time I consider myself an adult. I’ve been fooling around with a particular story idea for a year now, and this is the year I’m going to actually write it down. And keep on writing.
So, for this month please excuse me if I don’t post much about food. (Not that I’ve been blogging very regularly anyway.) I’m making a short term goal to write 1,500 words a day for the next 31 days. This way, I can at least force myself to complete my first draft — no matter how awful it is. I’m going to blog my daily progress just so I can be accountable for this endeavor. Feel free to hold me responsible!
Word count so far today: 1015
485 words to go!
Inspired By: Eva + Alt Summit.
{Like, have someone else wash the dishes. Ha, ha. Image from Sycamore Stress Press.}
My friend Eva who has a great letterpress shop called Sycamore Street Press (check out the new “About” page, it’s so cool), wrote a great blog post on what she learned at the most recent Alt Summit conference. Mainly, to be yourself.
And the rest will follow.
So, Brendan. Hope you’re ready to scrub some pans! Our kitchen is going to get busy.
Music for Cooking: Tiger Fire Christmas.
Some of the best holiday music ever. Cover art from Micah Dahl Anderson.
I know I’ve been posting mostly about music lately, but I can’t help it. A good song fuels my fire and motivation in the kitchen.
Our friend Micah is an amazing musician and his family sent us a download of his latest Christmas tune, Deck The Halls. Last year, their family gifted us music for Christmas too. I’m hoping this becomes a holiday tradition.
Micah’s songs are wonderful of course, perfectly upbeat and catchy. Just the right amount of of cheer to add to your seasonal playlist.
Happy Holidays!
Deck the Halls — Micah Dahl Anderson
* Also, be sure to grab the free download of “Christmas Waltz” (last year’s song) while browsing Micah’s great tunes.
Music for Cooking: Yo Gabba Gabba!
We are big Yo Gabba Gabba! fans over here. Mom, dad and all three kids (yes, even the baby is hooked). We are such super fans, we probably hear/watch something DJ Lance related at least once a day.
When the kids are in the kitchen with me, I’ll play some Yo Gabba Gabba! tunes to keep them happy while I cook. Brobee, Muno and all the gang join us in the car while we do school drop-offs. And then there’s of course, my children’s own a capella rendition of their favorites (hearing my little 2 year-old sing “Brush Brush Brush” by of Montreal while he takes a toothbrush to his teeth might be the cutest thing ever).
Today, Amazon is having a special and Brendan got the kids (okay, us) the latest album of Gabbaland music:
Yo Gabba Gabba! Music Is Awesome! Volume 3
It’s just $5 today on Amazon. I’m happiest about having “Balloons” by the Postmarks and “I’m So Happy I Can Dance” by the Salteens on this collection. These are songs from the very first season of Yo Gabba Gabba! and I’ve been in love with them since way back then. I’m so happy to have these songs (oh, and the kids are thrilled too).
Music For Cooking: A Very She & Him Christmas.
I recieved an early Christmas present from Brendan this morning when I opened up my inbox and saw this album (pictured above) in my e-mail. Yes, I am one of those gals that finds Zooey Deschanel adorable. When she collaborates with M.Ward in She & Him, I find her even cuter.
I am already anticipating this upcoming holiday season . . . and nothing makes holiday baking more fun than tinkering around the kitchen to Christmas music. Sugar cookies. Gingerbread houses. Fruitcake. I can’t wait! (Just kidding, I’ve never made fruitcake.)
If you’re into classic Christmas music with sweet acoustic charm, you’ll probably love this album. Just from my preview listening, I’m already a fan. And best yet, Amazon is offering the MP3 download of the entire album today for $5.
Preview and buy on Amazon here. A very merry early Christmas to you.
Anyone else looking forward to the holidays? Or are you still getting things ready for your Trick or Treaters?
Music for Cooking: Thao & Mirah.
In Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc at Home cookbook, he mentions how music in the kitchen is an essential ingredient. I agree. I feel like I have more pizzazz when I can chop veggies to a favorite tune, or hum along to a well-loved track while I whisk up some sauce. So, I thought I would share some music that I’ve been cookin’ to recently.
First up: Thao & Mirah.
Let me first start off by saying that I have a soft spot in my heart for any music group with an Asian gal in their line up. (Examples include: Yeah Yeah Yeahs, LCD Soundsystem, Blonde Redhead, Deerhoof, to name a few. Anyone know any others?)
Anyway, so when Brendan introduced me to Thao + The Get Down Stay Down I was instantly a fan. Thao’s got this rawness, this energy about her voice that is so, so . . . rockstar. I just love it. When she collaborates with Mirah in their self titled album Thao & Mirah, they make some really fun, really rockin’/folksy music to prep dinner to.
One of my song favorites is “Eleven”. You should check it out here:
Thao & Mirah: “Eleven [ft. tUnE-yaRds]“
Happy Friday!
Coconut Syrup Winner.
Aloha Dawn!
Using Random.org, you’re the lucky number. Congrats on winning a bottle of my favorite pancake topping. I hope you love this coconut syrup as much as I do. Also, thank you everyone for the sweet comments. It’s so nice to hear from you all again.
Mahalo and Happy Friday.
All is full of love.
My hands are full. Full of love. Photo by Brendan
I am so sorry for the lack of updates. I have a notebook (and belly) full of some of the great recipes I’ve tried lately . . . but my hands have been otherwise occupied.
I’ve had time to cook, but not so much to write.
Most of my day is spent chasing two older kids and holding close my little baby. He can be a little demanding. And at the same time, the most delicious thing ever.
Cheers to no time for yourself.