The 7 Series: [1] Food [Goat Cheese Risotto Recipe]

So I recently got an Amazon gift card for my baby shower.  This already excites me to no end, I'm one of those people with an Amazon wish list constantly in the making, that falls asleep to images of strollers I can't buy or random iPhone accessories I don't need.  So when I got the gift card, along with a note from my sweet friend that said I could *gasp* spend it on myself!  I did just that.

I mean seriously, this little girl already has everything in the world she could need, and Mama's not gonna lie.  She likes to spoil herself sometimes.  So with my $25 burning a hole in my pocket I ordered a DicAPic waterproof case for my phone, I am constantly death-gripping my phone at the beach in order to get pictures of the kid's swimming while hopefully not losing my uninsured phone in the abyss & a book I had seen on another bloggers IG [crunchy_candid]

[Me reading my book at Pokai Bay this last weekend.]

The book is called 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker.

It's written by a Christian Mother of 3 and is basically about how she reduced 7 areas of her life down to 7 things each for a month.  I've just started reading Chapter 2 and I really dig it so far.  Since I'm trying to become a blogger with more purpose, and less scatter-brained rants about my children's bowel movements I decided I'd try and do a small series following along with her 7 things.

So first up, Food!  In the book Jen narrows down her food choices to just 7 things.  I will go ahead and put a disclaimer right now that I'm not going to do as she does.  Do not ask a 35 week pregnant woman with already finicky eating habits to now narrow down her choices to just 7.  If I was forced to choose tho my list would look something like:

1. Dr. Pepper

2. Coffee

3. Chocolate Milkshakes

4. Cereal

5. Bread

6. Smoothies

7. Pork Belly

So you see, not very healthy and more than half of those things are drinks.  I'm not going to put myself in that position.  I am a lover of food, but also, I hope, learning not to be a person of excess.  We start each Monday with a full fridge and by Sunday it's pretty bare bones.  I like it like that.  It keeps my fridge clean, I can see what we have & most of the things in our fridge are fresh foods.  

I have lost over 50 lbs. in the past 6 years, even AFTER having 3 kids.  Ok, right now I'm up 16 pounds but I have the baby to blame at least.  I attribute most of that to learning to eat better, loving my body, and wanting to give my kids a healthy attitude about the food they eat.  For the most part, we try. We also live off a budget of $60 a week for food for a family of 5.  While I would love to feed my family only organic vegetables, free-range chickens & grass-fed beef I live in reality.

  I do what I can while being thankful for everything we have, knowing how blessed we are.  

And I guess that's where I will go with food, that my family understand it's purpose.  We know food is nourishment for our body's, we don't waste it, we don't complain and we certainly don't turn down free food.  But food is not our everything, the amount of whole grains we eat does not effect our worth as humans.  Drinking water from the tap will not kill us, in other places it might.  We are blessed beyond belief to never go to bed with empty stomachs and if Oliver smashes one more Go-Gurt into his hair & carpet I will scream.

The end. 

Just for the purposes of this blog I will give the prices I paid for the food here, 

just in case you're wondering what a meal like this does to my budget. 

Plus this recipe is SOCLOSE to being 7 ingredients, I thought it fitting. 

Goat Cheese Risotto

1 cup short grain rice [.25]

2 Shallots, diced [.99]

1/2 cup Goat Cheese [1.50]

1 lemon [1.75.  Seriously? wtf lemon.]

Thai Basil, minced [Free from our Garden]

4 cloves of garlic, minced [.25]

2 1/2 cups Chicken Stock [1.25]

1/2 cup White Wine [.50]

Olive Oil

Salt & Pepper 

Grand Total: $6.50 Serves at least 2 adults who eat a lot!

And 3 kids who would rather eat toast. :/ 

[1] In a large saucepan heat olive oil on medium heat.

[2] Add the onions and cook until translucent.

[3] Add the garlic and cook one more minute.

[4] Add your rice and stir for about 90 seconds, toasting the pieces, 

make sure you have enough oil to coat the rice.

[5] Add your white wine, stirring until it is all absorbed.

[6] Add your chicken stock,

 1/2 cup at a time making sure each addition has been absorbed before adding the next 1/2 cup. 

[7] When all your liquid has been absorbed and rice is tender,

 grate in the zest & add juice of your lemon.

[8] Stir in your goat cheese and season to taste with salt & pepper.

[9] Plate & sprinkle with Thai Basil!  Enjoy! 

A baby sprinkle turned pouring rain!

Oh pregnancy, you magical body crushing miracle you.

I've finally hit my uncomfortable point.  I'm pretty proud I've made it so far!

Saturday I will be 34 weeks, I really can't believe how fast time has flown and I'm still trying to accept the fact that this is most likely the last time I get to experience the joys [and pains] of being pregnant.

I am almost ashamed to admit that I am one of those women that love pregnancy.  I never throw up, I don't get hemorrhoids or swollen feet.  I do what I want and keep going.  Maybe since after having my first baby you don't really get a choice!  I feel the most beautiful when I'm pregnant, like my body has purpose and those extra rolls of skin are just baby love and that's ok. ;)

One of my favorite parts of being pregnant is having a shower!  I know, you're not really supposed to have a shower after the first baby especially if you've had 3 and already have both sexes of children but darn it I love a good party!  I also am constantly moving so there is really nothing that has made it from child #1 to child #4 despite the fact that they're only 6 years apart. 

So this time for Miss Tulip Bea I thought it would be appropriate to have a "sprinkle" or as I've seen them called.  My Mom and sister came in from California to help celebrate and I just really wanted an excuse to celebrate this new life with all my new found friends here on the island.  

<--------------- Dark Chocolate/Strawberry Cupcakes made by my sister, Jordan! 

 I should have known that my Mom, friends, and family would spoil me beyond belief.  And Tulip Bea is seriously set!  We had a great time just being together, enjoying the weather and getting ready for our little girl's arrival.  Which after the birth of my friend Bree's baby last week I am seriously getting so excited for, ahh newborns. <3

[My "sprinkle" had the cutest pink/jungle theme!  Pink. Zebra. Cheetah. Adorable.]

I am continually blessed and amazed by everything that was given to us for Tulip.  I have such talented caring friends and got so many beautiful home made gifts I loved it!  A new bow holder for Tulip?  Check.  A handmade Christmas pillow dress? Check. Lots of bows? Check.  A personalized cloth diaper and wet bag?  That too.  Seriously awesome.  Presents even came from afar with my biff from California spoiling me like she always does with a Bath Pod, bags of Rockin Green marshmallow scented cloth diaper detergent, The Vaccine Book by Dr. Sears and a Boba Wrap! 

[A cloth diaper cake made by my friend Dawn.  She made it with Oso Cozy prefolds & a Thirsties cover!  I am a lucky girl.]

I had so much fun and was so relaxed just enjoying the company, I know I keep saying it but I just feel so lucky to have friends that encouraged me to relax, to sit down, to eat all things I need reminded to do!  

Even the games were fun, but then again I love shower games in general.  I'm a competitive person so any chance to win prizes I'm down for.  This time I just had to observe but watching everyone play games and win prizes was a blast.  

I wonder if it's bad that we did a Who Knows Mommy Best? game and the question was "What has Nicole been craving this pregnancy?" and everyone answered coffee & Dr. Pepper. :/

Just don't tell my midwife!

And of course Noni [my Mom] spoils her grandchildren that are already born so she had to give Tulip some love too!  New cloth diapers, a diaper sprayer [Thank God!], and a Nosefrida she knit me a boobie hat and got me a Beco Gemini carrier.  I'm pretty much in baby heaven.  Now I just need the baby!

So no I'm not lucky, I'm blessed [yes!]

By so many people that I adore and can't wait to introduce Tulip too.  A successful baby "sprinkle" if I do say so myself!

Check out my friend's Facebook stores! 

https://www.facebook.com/ArianasAccessories

[For family date timelines, pillow dresses, home made bows & wipe cases and more!]

https://www.facebook.com/BanginBabyBritches

[For WAHM cloth diapers & wet bags!]

Support your work at home Mommies! <3

[My BIG girl having fun at her sister's shower!  Doing it Mother/Daughter was so fun. :)]

Tulip: A flower symbolizing forgiveness.

Bea: Blessed, she who brings happiness. 

The Incredible Lily Pax turns 6!

I can't believe our biggest "baby" is already 6 years old!  

It amazes me how much has happened in 6 years, that I've been able to watch this little person grow from just a heartbeat in my womb to a smart & sassy little girl with her two front teeth missing and an opinion on everything.  I am in awe, that we somehow managed to raise her to be such a loving, kind & thoughtful person.  I think the oldest kid always gets the brunt of the parental mistakes, responsibility and bossiness.  I'm the oldest child, I should know!

[Our baby girl when she turned 2 years old!  She has always had such a unique personality.]

Lily Pax was the child we prayed for.  After getting married in November 2004 we knew we wanted kids right away, not that we KNEW what we we're doing but that's besides the point!  

It took us longer than we had thought to get pregnant with her, which in reality was less than a year.  But at the time, and only 21 years old I thought having babies was just something that happened like magic, people had them on accident after all right?  I was a little bummed it wasn't happening on the timeline I expected so I prayed about it a lot, especially, for some reason to the Virgin Mary.

"I prayed for this child and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him"

1 Samuel 1:27

So, we named Lily after The Virgin Mary.  The Virgin Mary is sometimes referenced to as the white Lily.  Pax, her middle name is Latin for peace.  She is the peacemaker of our family.  Whether trying to stop a fight between her brothers or getting upset if anyone is talking too loudly to one another she will definitely try to make everything better. <3

Lily was always my fast learned.  She crawled at 5 months and set the pace for which her brothers just can't quite keep up!  

And while she is quick when she wants to be I always remember as my 12 days late baby.  I went into the labor the night before I was supposed to be induced feeling huge & ready to meet my baby girl.  She was born July 21st, 2006 in Honolulu, Hawaii and has been our little island girl ever since.

[It amazes me how much Oliver looks like his big sister!  Sure the boys look alike but I swear Oliver is Lily with her hair cut off.]

10 Facts about Lily Pax!

1.  Her favorite subject is math.  Sometimes she'll make up her own math work sheets when she's in bed and then answer them all.

2.  She loves fruit.  Apples, watermelon, strawberries & grapes are her favorite.

3. She likes to make up her own songs & sings a lot of the stuff she says.

4. She can swim like a fish.

5. Her favorite things to do are go to the water park, mini golfing, library & Target.

6. The thing she misses most about California is her dog, Maeby. 

7. She will take an hour long bath if you let her.

8. She likes to watch cooking shows & the greatest tragedy in her life is that she isn't allowed to eat in her bed.

9. Sometimes she wakes up and changes Oliver's diaper & makes her bed before waking me up in the morning.

10.  She is growing up way too fast. 

For her 6th birthday party she wanted a Mermaid Party because she's currently addicted to an Australian TV series on Netflix called H20.  We had a great time with Mermaid cupcakes, slip & slides & Ocean punch only to get rained out.....in July.  In Waipahu. Hmph.  Luckily we have a bunch of laid back friends and family & we played in the rain & celebrated the life of my most favorite little girl.

[Lily wearing her mermaid tale made by Noni, with her best friend/Auntie Gloria!]

Lily's Mermaid Jell-O Cupcakes with Jell-O Frosting!

Cupcakes: 

1 box of White Cake Mix

1 3 oz. box of Jell-O [any flavor/color you want]

These were easy since I had a crazy busy week and just needed something fast & simple.  Plus Lily's favorite color is blue so I aim to please!

[1] Make cake according to box directions.  Divide batter in half.

[2] Mix Jell-O into half the batter.  I actually made 48 cupcakes so I used 2 boxes of cake mix and just dyed one box worth, either way will work.

[3] Alternating, drop spoonfuls of each color batter into cupcake liners.

[4] With a butter knife kind of swirl batters together to get them looking tie-dyed.

[5] Bake as directed!

Frosting:

1 3 oz. box of Jell-O [any flavor/color you want]

1/2 cup boiling water

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp. Vanilla

1 egg white

[1] Put all ingredients, except for water, into a metal or glass stand mixer.  You HAVE to use a stand mixer for this one otherwise it won't work!

[2] Turn mixer on high and pour in your boiling water.

[3] Beat on high for about 5 minutes until you have stiff peaks!

[4] I added more food coloring to mine because it didn't come out as blue as I wanted but basically whatever color/flavor you choose will be what your frosting tastes like!  It has almost a marshmallow consistency.  

Party Hardy!

We decorated her cupcakes with gummy Octopuses, plastic mermaids, beach umbrellas & sand!

P.S. If you want to make the sand just put Vanilla Wafers & Oreos in a food processor, more Vanilla Wafers than Oreos and just adjust to how dark you want your sand to be! 

The Kramped Kitchen.

I really wanted to title this blog The Kramped Kitchen.

I really thought it reminded me too much of the Kardashians.  But then I thought, they don't own the letter K, they can't just claim it and act like they thought of changing the C into a K for everything first!

I probably thought about it a little too much, so yeah.....in the end I won.  It's a Kramped Kitchen kind of blog!

We live in a small home.  Really an apartment, which I have never wanted.  I'm not an apartment person, I don't like having rules, I like yards & parties & space.  I like being able to park and then walk into my front door with two flights of stairs in my way.  But alas, I know now, I don't always get my way.  Our home is small but it is OUR home.  Wherever I am with my family is where I want to be.

Our home does resemble a docked ship, it's small, doesn't really have windows, just small port hole type things where I hope to get a glimpse of sunshine or a gust of air.

It's not perfect but is there anything in this life that is?  We're here in Hawaii doing mission work for our church, work that we love doing and feel called to do.  For that work we are blessed enough to get free rent & utilities.  So before I complain I try to think about how blessed we are to be in this place, together, doing God's work.  If that isn't a life I want to lead then I'm not sure what is.

But our kitchen is small.  For sure, luckily I love a good challenge!  I can cook and bake with the best of them with what I have.  And up until less than 2 weeks ago I didn't even have my own oven and stove.  I used an electric wok and a big toaster oven for everything.  Sometimes it takes not having something to remind you to be grateful for those things you do have.

But now I do have an oven & stove.  Hallelujah!  Albeit, a 3 burner stove, but no matter.  I just use the empty slot to hold my utensils jar.  It works out for everyone.  We don't know how long we'll be here or where God will take us next but I will rejoice no matter how hot the day with no air conditioning, how small the bathroom or how we don't have full walls between our room and the kids, seriously.

Above:  My kitchen "nook" area.  Our back door that leads to a fire escape.  Chalkboard for a menu that I never change so it's never true.  The toy box has all the kids books in it.  Also doubles as a pantry area.  Flour. Sugar. Potatoes. Etc.

Side:  My main, ok only, cooking prep area!  Also where I bake.  My mixer just stays right there.  My wonderful husband hooked up extension cords to the island so I can use my mixer there.  I also usually have my iPad on it's little kitchen stand that I got for my birthday so I can reference recipes....or FB while I work. 

My awesome pot rack right above me, I have to be careful tho cause if I put the wrong pans in the wrong spots I hit my head a lot.  Coffee maker fish tank.  Spices from Trader Joe's.  

Thank you Mom!

I love it.  My little kramped kitchen.  I belong here. 

Today I loved it so much I didn't want to leave.  Deep cleaned it a bit, top of the fridge, under the sink kind of cleaning.  

Baked blueberry cupcakes with Maple Brown Butter frosting.

Made roasted artichokes & Baked Lemon Pasta for dinner.  So good.  My kitchen is definitely small, but as cheesy as it sounds it is full of love. <3

Roasted Artichokes

[These remind me of home, wild artichokes grown along the Delta.  

But I'm sorry to say, Manny's, these are better than yours!]

You need:

Artichokes

Garlic

Lemon Juice

Olive Oil

[1] Prep your artichokes.  Trim the bottoms so they lay flat and trim the tops of the leaves so they're not all pokey.  Scissors work best for the top part.

[2] Spread the leaves a part a bit so you can get flavor inside.

[3] Drizzle with olive oil and squeeze half a lemon over each artichoke.

[4] Slice a clove of garlic thinly and poke into different parts of the artichoke.

Season the whole thing with sea salt.

[5] Wrap tightly in foil.

[6] Place artichokes on a baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees F for an hour.

Unwrap and enjoy!

I suggest serving them with a lemon mayo or some melted butter.  Tasty!