NEW OBSESSION

I just found this website..and am already hooked!!

GROCERY SHOPPING

So how does one decipher a good piece of meat from a bad one?

I found myself meandering through the aisles at the grocery store this weekend. Afraid to pass by the hunks and slabs of meat. A limitless selection it felt like, and I, not knowing which to choose. I gathered up enough courage to pass by the meat once but then quickly veered into the safety of the cereals, not yet ready to conquer the task of choosing a "good" pork loin. A quick call to my mom confirmed that I did, in fact, not have a clue what qualifies as good meat. She advised me to just pick one that "looks good". What piece of raw meat actually looks good?! They all look pretty disgusting to me. That didn't narrow down my decision at all. But with the calming voice of my mother on the phone, I headed back to the section to overcome my fears.

Now maybe you think I am dramatizing this a little. Who really starts to shake when they get close to the meat area? Who really needs courage in a grocery store? Ok...I know it sounds crazy, but combine my indecisiveness about everything (including picking out shampoo) with my complete disgust with raw meat. And it is a pretty traumatizing and paralyzing combination. One which I have avoided for twenty three years of my life. Until now..

So back I am, staking out my place in front of the pork. I try to ignore the fact that I probably am looking a little pale at the moment. I am hoping all the experienced shoppers around me will not notice my naivety and insecurity. Yes, I am not too proud to admit, I am insecure about selecting meat. So finally after prodding at a couple choices, I just grab one, toss it in my basket, and am off to the checkout. No turning back now. I might as well have played inny minny miny mo. I think what I need to do is befriend the butcher at my local grocery. Maybe he can help me overcome my fear! Although, in my mind I picture all butchers the same way...just like the chef from the Little Mermaid. Befriending him seems almost scarier than just venturing into the meat section alone. Although, when it comes time to cook a lobster. I may be calling on him for help!

So the menu for tonight. I am finishing up my roasting section with a roasted pork loin. And learning the art of barding (wrapping in pancetta- the Italian version of bacon) ...And we all know, anything wrapped in bacon is delicious!! I can't wait!

I ASPIRE

So I thought I would fit a quick blog in before the weekend starts. It has been a looong week. I am so ready for the time to read 5:30 PM. Maybe that is my lack of inspiration. All I can think about is getting off of work.

So when I said Martha does everything I wasn't kidding. What I didn't realize...she has her very own blog.

And this blog puts mine to shame. Granted she is a writer and editor in New York..but man..700 words on coleslaw. I have much to do...

Happy reading this weekend!

CRAFTINESS

There is a difference. It can easily be mistaken. I understand.

But I am not crafty...at least when it comes to crafts. I know that graduating with an interior design degree means that I should be creative in all aspects. But I am not. Yes, I could tell you the best sort of wall material to use or how far apart outlets should be placed. However, the design of a bulletin board, or a fun craft to make...I am at a loss. I don't know where to begin or what to do.



This all came rushing at me last night. I think partly because my ideas are so over the top. And reality sometimes pales in comparison. You see, I had to decorate a room for a Christmas theme last night. I know..Christmas in August. Actually kind of fun. And I definitely listened to my new Christmas tunes on the way to work this morning too. But how I pictured my room turning out...was somewhere along the lines of how Buddy decorated the toy shop in the movie Elf. Yeah, I realize this is not possible for one person to do in an hour. But that was my vision nonetheless. Mine turned out a little more Charlie Brown than anything else..my puny strand of half working lights and my tiny little tree were all the room had going for it. A little sad. And NOT at all what I pictured.

So how does one go about become craftier? Maybe practice. Maybe its natural. I don't know. But I am slightly envious of all those teachers out there that can bust out craft after craft...

AU COURANT

So what is current...well for starters this photo that was taken at lunch today. I enjoyed my first ever vanilla bean frapp with a coworker. You see as a domestic diva, I MUST be up on what is current in the kitchen, home, and world. Always learning and trying new things. Some of which I will try to share with you...

It is my new tip of the day section...if you can't tell its a slow week at work again!

MY DAILY SCOOP - Wednesday
I found my inspiration walking through Target today. I stumbled upon the spice isle. Now for the insanely organized person that I love to think I am...the rows and rows of uniform glass containers containing various shapes and colors, from deep browns to sage greens, instantly attracted my attention. The cinnamon sticks paired with bay leaves and thyme. I wanted to mix and match right there in the store. The $6 pricetag they each possessed however quickly stopped me in my tracks. I refrained from sweeping up the 200 or so spices that had caught my eye. However, I do think that every diva must have a matching little collection of her favorite spices...they are the thing that sets your cooking apart. They spice it up..and make your kitchen so much cuter. Maybe not a necessity for the average person, but for the domestic diva...they are a MUST!

NOT ME

So I am getting a little sick of always writing about myself. I mean that can get a little redundant after a while...lets face it...I am not domestic but I sure do try. Alright, moving on...

So today I am going to take a break from talking about my endeavors and talk about the inspiration I get from others.

First and foremost, I think it is apparent that this blog has been inspired by none other than that manly voiced, slightly criminal, avid animal lover Martha Stewart. There is much that I could say about this woman. I mean, come on, she is one of the most powerful, influential women in the world. But I believe you all are aware of how drastically she has shaped domestic life for us. No thinking is required..just to go to her website where you can download checklists, tips, recipes, and anything you would ever want or need. Martha is the closest thing to a life coach for me...she has an answer for almost every question I have.

But like I said I am not going to ramble on all day about Martha, I want to get to the other inspirational figures in my life...

My mom. Yes, maybe that goes without saying, but my mom definitely inspires...or maybe more so amazes me at all that she does. We were talking about cookies this weekend, and she mentioned how a lot of kids, even some that came over to our house growing up, had never had cookies made from scratch. Shocking!..well at least to me, because these were not just a special treat, but something that was a regular part of my childhood. I have so much to learn from her when it comes to keeping a house up too. Compare her bathroom with mine...yes..lots to live up to. But nonetheless, I am grateful for the time I have with her to soak up information...just like Martha says, “I'm not a sponge exactly, but I find that something I look at is a great opportunity for ideas.” ...And I definitely look to my mom!

Next. My friend Katie. Yes, maybe this is a stretch, but she did win the award out of all my friends for "Best Friend Mom". The second you meet her you know that she will take care of you..mainly because she instantly places a tea mug in your hand. (I partly blame her for my obsession with tea.) But man, does she know how to throw a party or shower! Seriously, I used her help and ideas so much earlier this summer when two of my good friends got married. Countless ideas, creative decorations, themes, sample invitations, you name it. She is a wealth of information! So she definitely earns a spot on my inspiration list.

Another source for domestic inspiration...several of my friends are amazing cooks! They inspire me by those that suggest amazing recipes and by those whose food I have tasted...and it is AMAZING! I hope that someday I can be as proficient in the kitchen as they are!!

So I think that sums it up...well as best as I can in a simple blog post because of course there are countless others that inspire me, but I will leave it at that today because thankfully..I actually have some work to do this morning.

FUN STUFF

Just thought I would share this super cute website that I discovered today..thanks to my super amazing coworker (Thanks Amelia!)

My kids are going to have so much fun some day. This is what their lunches will look like...unless I have 6 kids or just unruly ones where I just run around frantically all the time..but the hope is there nonetheless!

http://www.funkylunch.com/gallery.htm

MIXED EMOTIONS

I am not quite sure where to begin. The thoughts and emotions I experience when cooking are pretty vast. It begins with utter disgust as I work with cleaning and deboning the meat, to relief, when it is finally in the oven, to sheer joy, when I discover that I actually succeeded at making the meal. It is quite a range. And quite exhausting. However, it is completely worth it in the end...mainly because I am famished. Here is a glimpse of the depth of emotion I exhibit while cooking...

Last night I would classify as a success. I made a ballotine of turkey and stuffing. And this time my stuffing actually looked like stuffing. But oh man, I do not know what makes turkey so much worse than chicken. But the words "sick" and "nasty" were flying out of my mouth every two seconds. It was nasty! I feel I may have taken a step back in working with raw meat. All I know is that I breathed a deep, deep sigh of relief when that part was over. Although using the mallet to flatten the meat was definitely cathartic. That part I enjoyed.

I also sauteed my first vegetables last night. I love that everything I do is a first. Probably part of the reason why I enjoy cooking so much...it is all new and exciting. But thankfully there are enough different kinds of dishes and recipes that I should never run out of new things to try. Here's a picture of the veggies...

And here is my ballotine. Notice the perfectly rolled first piece. I was especially proud of that one..it looked JUST like the picture!

Also..National Pancake Day is Sept. 26th. Martha informed me of this yesterday...so mark your calendars! I have it on mine!

NO MORE PLANS

So this weekend did not go according to plan. Maybe I should just stop planning in general. It seems that my plans never work out anyways. However, I can't say that this weekend was a total failure when it came to my domestic projects. It just means I didn't start any of the ones I planned. However, I did have a couple of cooking experiences...

The first of which, I think I will forever be frustrated. Cookies. There are WAY too many recipes out there. All with just slightly different amounts of flour, butter, and sugar. How am I to know the best one?? Well I tried a new oatmeal raisin recipe because it is my dad's favorite, and it was his birthday this Friday. However, I wasn't completely pleased with the results of this new recipe that I tried. Maybe its for the fact that I could quite possibly be a cookie snob. They aren't my favorite dessert or baked good..so I might in fact have higher expectations in order to enjoy them. But I was not at all impressed with the recipe I chose. They had slightly too much oatmeal, were too crumbly, and just not that great. (Although the uncooked batter was amazing..I don't know what happened when I cooked them) So maybe one of my greatest quests as I become a domestic diva should be to find the perfect cookie recipes...even if I have to make up my own. So this is what they looked like..along with the card and stuff I made for my dad.

Seriously, this picture makes them look like a blob. I need a professional photographer to take my pictures to convince you that they were in fact edible. I promise they were!

The second venture was to make my first ever omelet. I know..what I have been doing all these years?! ...actually I just have been making scrambled eggs. I have never made any other type of egg but scrambled. I think in some ways I am a creature of habit. So I decided to try something new...and hope for the best. Omelets can be a bit of a challenge. At least for cooks like me...There is lots of moving the pan and folding and such...all in less than two minutes. I think its the time that stresses me out. It is make it or break it. And it all happens so quickly! However, I am pleased to say that it actually turned out. The second better than the first, but both were edible, which honestly surprised me. I am excited now that I can branch out from my scrambled eggs if I so wish..

So that's pretty much all the weekend consisted of...domestication wise. But tonight I am cooking my second big meal. I am continuing on with roasting...learning more and more what to do and why. And tonight's meal consists of getting to use a mallet (getting out aggression yay!), butterflying a turkey, more bloody nasty meat, redoing stuffing (that was really the only thing I wasn't happy with last time), and then I get to learn all about brining the turkey...something I had no idea of before. I have a feeling tomorrows post will be full of things I have learned. AND hopefully not another night of a busted kitchen sink. Uneventful is my hope...

SHAKE AND BAKE

I never realized how much fun making popcorn can actually be. I think I enjoyed the "making it" part of the process so much more than the outcome. Caramel popcorn is seriously fun to make. Now don't get me wrong, I have eaten my fair share of it already today too...enough to make me feel slightly sick and almost...almost...regret eating that much. But my favorite part was making and shaking. Stove popped popcorn. It's like shake and bake!

Well, I didn't include a actual photo..sorry I am getting lazy in my blogging. But why not a professional picture instead..they make food look way better anyways. Overall, I was pretty pleased with the results. It will definitely be a standard snack at my house. (Love it! Thanks Laura!)

I am so thankful that it is the end of the week. Fridays have taken on a new meaning now that I am working full-time. I have several exciting projects I am working on this weekend. So hopefully they all turn out..and more importantly that I find time this weekend to get them done. I seem to be a little too over ambitious sometimes...but if I am to be a domestic diva in just a few months, I have a lot of ground to cover. I am up for any suggestions too, of things that any diva must know. I want my education to be complete!

MZ DIVA

So who knew, that just from my short morning drive to work today, that it would inspire an entire blog post. You never know where inspiration can hit you...sometimes in the most unlikely of places. The place it hit me today..pulling up behind another car. This is what I saw on my drive to work this morning...

CRAZY...right?! That is not the crazy part. What is crazy is that in the last 24 hours, this is the SECOND license plate I have seen with some "diva" phrase on it. Yesterday it was "IMADIVA" that was in front of me. However, I was only able to snag a photo of the vehicle today, because I was actually able to get close enough behind them, while stopped, to snap this photo. Yesterday, the police would have been called..either to report a wreck or harassment charges..neither of which sounded too appealing.

It is situations like this, though, that I sometimes wonder...coincidence? I mean how many license plates actually have diva written on them? ...in the Memphis area? And for me to see two of those in a day...It seems that no other explanation can be made except that...clearly, I am a diva. All the signs seem to be stating that fact. I mean it is right there in front of my face.

So what are my diva plans as of lately? Well..I didn't cook, sew, clean, or garden anything last night. Divas need a night off every now and then. But my hope tonight is to make some amazing caramel corn. Granted I have to do this in about 30min. once I get home from work tonight. But I like to remain optimistic. If worse comes to worse, a store-bought treat it will be. But I got this amazing recipe from a friend who is a seasoned vet in the kitchen..and I know that it would be an excellent snack to take to my baby shower/bible study tonight. Plus..how fun would popping popcorn on the stove be! I think my dog would like this endeavor immensely. (Well he likes me cooking in general..if you recall the chicken juice on the floor comment from an earlier post)

Also, if anyone knows about this button fixer gadget thing (obviously, I don't know what it is called). Well, my two coworkers were informing me about this little contraption that automatically sews a button on for you, and all you do is press it up to the article of clothing, press a button, and it sews it on for you. I want one!!

MY MARTHA CHALLENGE

So mending..yeah, didn't quite happen last night. However, I decided that instead I would get the supplies ready and create a new super cute diva sewing/mending kit. I am already feeling the lack of creativity in my life from graduating this May. So here were the rules for making my sewing kit...hence making it a "Martha" type challenge

1. It must take no longer than an hour to make (what diva has hours to spare??)

2. I could not buy anything to make it (...SO something Martha would do..making something out of nothing)

And the result...a thrifty, functional sewing kit...hopefully!

I got my inspiration from the sewing kit mentioned from my last blog. However, since my goal is to become the next Martha...I needed to make my sewing kit better than the one shown on her website. So that is what I attempted to do...in under an hour (I ended up having 10 min. to spare)

Here is my new sewing kit...

I made it from an old box I found lying around, and quickly painting it to hide the hideous floral motif it formerly had. And what is easier than tying a simple ribbon around it to make it cuter...

Inside it I included random buttons, scissors, thread, needles, measuring tape, safety pins, and straight pins...all the things necessary for a basic sewing kit...The sewn coral fabric scrap with button on top is my favorite part. It fits conveniently inside and expands accordion style to display all the stored pins and needles. It easy to take out simply by grabbing the button sewn on top...
Overall, this is my solution to a sewing kit that is cute, doesn't look like a sewing kit, but is still functional, and SUPER quick to make. Now, I just have to motivate myself to actually use it and get that mending done...that is the much greater challenge.

NOT A HABIT

So blogging twice in one day will not be becoming a habit of mine. But today at work, it is unusually slow, so in order to maintain some semblance of sanity. I find myself writing once again. So I have come up with several new projects to include in my domestication process. But some of which I will not disclose presently...because they are going to be a surprise for a few people I know. However, instead of reading about serial killers, which was my other suggestion from a friend, I am going to venture down a less creepy path, and take up the art of mending. This will be my goal tonight, because honestly, that has been on my to-do list now for quite some time.

Mending is probably one of those few tasks that I dread as much as getting my blood taken at the doctors office. For those of you who know me, and the past few experiences I have had at the doctors office, it is a strong sort of dislike. It has been a little traumatic to say the least. I hate to even bring up this topic of mending because I feel that I am getting bored just talking about it..and now almost dreading getting off work to go home...although I suppose this solves my discontent at work.

Anyways, my goal is to make mending...hopefully...a little more interesting and fun. And obviously, it goes without saying, more divaesque.

This blog writer actually enjoys mending. Instant gratification. Hmm..I suppose that is true. I once ripped a pair of blue jeans, one of my favorites, yet still wear them today thanks to mending. And, hey, if I have a super cute mending kit like this...it might just make me want to pull it out and use it...maybe...

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE

Of course!

That is pretty much my initial response to my cooking endeavor last night. Of course, on my first night of cooking, a pipe bursts and in turn, I can't use the kitchen sink for most of the night. Not only am I new at this whole cooking thing, but throw in a busted sink, and I am doomed for failure. If only video were acquired from last night, you would see me running to and from the bathroom to wash my hands or parsley, frantically trying to keep the chicken from burning and the gravy from lumping. I definitely worked up a sweat...and a greater appreciation for those holiday meals that are assembled. Cooking three things at a time requires dexterity and grace...both of which I am severely lacking. The result: chicken juice on the floor, the counter piled high with countless measuring spoons and pans, and already my cookbook is not looking quite as new and spotless. Which brings me to the number one thing I learned from last night...prepare beforehand. Which is something I did not do...mise en place. Which is so typical. I am the type of person that..yes I will admit..has very little patience. Besides...the fact that dinner was not served until 8:30 last night was also a little more motivation to get started quickly. Although I have to say I feel like the late dinners will be in my favor. If you are hungry enough..anything tastes good. Right?

So back to the actual meal..besides the whole sink incident, I would say the whole process went as smoothly as would be expected of a novice cook. The whole, raw chicken brought lots of laughter and funny faces. I couldn't decided whether I was in biology class or holding a baby...either of which was slightly disturbing. But once the thing was buttered, stuffed, and in the oven I was much more at ease. I also love these silicone ties that I trussed the chicken with. Later, when I had to stick it back in because it was not quite done, I didn't have to get new twine and retie. I already had the silicone tie ready to be resecured. Granted, it was a little buttery and shot off the chicken and onto the floor..but no one needs to know those little mishaps.

I am just so relieved to have this one behind me. It was quite a challenge...but as I like to look at all setbacks in life, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Having a busted sink, under cooking the chicken, making the gravy watery, and dicing instead of mincing..yes all these things have made me a much better cook. Now, I know how to run around and not burn anything. I know what an uncooked and cooked chicken looks like. I know how to add more flour to gravy without making it lumpy. And I know that I definitely need to improve my chopping skills. All this from one night.

So what is next for this domestic diva? More cooking..definitely..and sewing, gardening, and cleaning as well. I mean, hey, Martha does it all. But I will do more!

So here is my "perfect roast chicken"...

and "simple stuffing"...

Better than Martha's right??

BEGINNINGS

The title for this blog may be a little misleading. For you see, I am far from a domestic diva. To some the art of cooking, cleaning, sewing, and gardening comes very easily and naturally. Yet this is definitely NOT the case for me. However, I will take you through my steps as I not just attempt, but become the next Martha...

Now the internet is helpful for lots of things. Whenever I have a question, I just type it in and..lo, and behold, the answer is there. Granted it may come from an illiterate, and egotistical person who in an answer to a question writes "it must see sumthin" as an appropriate response. Those type of community forums always make me laugh, as who in their right mind, would actually agree with the opinion of someone who can't even spell "something". However, every now and then, you may stumble upon great advice. I found a lovely little guide on how to become a domestic diva. This article states that step number one should be creating a motto for your diva style. If coming up with a motto is anything like coming up with a title for a paper..I think I am in trouble.

So until I come up with some great motto, I am beginning my domestic diva career with a classic cooking lesson. This may be a mistake since supposedly this motto is my direction and drive in life. I don't know about direction...I just know, I don't want to burn down the house, or cut my finger off...both very likely possibilities. However, I began last night by making my first chicken stock. I always thought that chicken stock was just something that you bought in a container from the store. Little did I know that it was actually made from water simmered with bones and aromatics. See, already I am using fancy words, words like "aromatics"...which really means food like onions, carrots, celery, herbs, etc. which flavor the water. And yet, already, I have made my first mistake. I actually ended up making broth instead of stock. Who knew the two were so similar. Who knew that not having those disgusting, random chicken parts would be to my disadvantage. However, I still feel that I should be able to create a wonderful roast chicken, gravy, and stuffing which is the plan for tonight. I am slightly nervous, as cooking, which now does not include easy mac or frozen dinners, means working with slimy, bloody chicken...still in the shape of a chicken. I am hoping I will quickly overcome the disgust I currently feel for raw meat.