What are you doing on this LONG weekend? Perhaps you are going to the lake or catching up on projects around the house or camping. I had plans, great plans, to go to Marfa with two of my best friends. We call ourselves the Tres Amigas...I know, not too original. But, we get a kick out of it! Anyways, we had been talking up this weekend since at least Easter making plans to have no plans at all but to drink good wine and Chiltons, eat fantastic food (mostly chips and dips as those are our preferred meal plans when together), and see where the wind takes us. I have a terrible tendency to really create an event or experience in my head - my planning gets a little carried away and I just get so excited and ready for such a weekend with my girls. Well, as luck or chance or just plain reality has it, the weekend in Marfa together will not be happening. It has been a huge hit to my spirit as, see above, I had really gotten it all worked out in my mind. But, the reasons for it not working are legitimate, though disappointing, and I am now getting to enjoy the weekend by having domino date night tonight and then heading to Dallas to be with the fam. RJ will be accompanying me, naturally, to Big D where she will finally meet my brother, sister and the other Cobb pups. I am interested to see how the older, wiser Cobb pups will take to this new, frisky, and ready-to-play addition to the group.
The weekend will be great as it has already started out both pleasantly and productive. Following a week where my emotions were wacko and my irritation level was high, this final lap (Friday) has been delightful. After completing the work I needed to do and tending to my customers, I got a productive and homemaker kick to my side. Here are two projects I have accomplished today:
1) Homemade Pizza Crust: Thanks to my blogging/cooking mentor and wanna-be friend, the Pioneer Woman, I have in my possession the BEST pizza crust recipe. I have little to compare this to as I have never tried another one from scratch. But, here's the thing: why mess up perfection? I know I love this combo of flour, OLIVE OIL, sea salt, and yeast/water so why would I try something else? When I make pizza for myself or my friends, I love using pesto rather than pizza sauce and all the freshly chopped veggies I can find. Or, pesto and spinach with tomato slices and chicken will also knock your panties off. Tonight, however, I am enjoying this crust with Travis and his sister and brother-in-law. Travis likes MEAT on his pizza and we have experimented with a few methods of pizza-building. We will be doing our perfected calzone stuffed with hamburger meat, vegetables, homemade and SPICY sauce, and a few other tricks. This crust has been rising for about 3 hours. It's not necessary to let it rise but, why not if you have the time! It barely filled 1/4 of the bowl when I put it in there and now look at the monstrosity! We like to spice the crust so that's why the color is a little off...MMM!
2) Homemade, Chemical-Free Lotion: Another thanks to a blogging mentor, the Wellness Mama, I have this concoction for a non-chemically induced lotion that is easy and adaptable. If you aren't familiar with her posts, please check her out. She has great tips and advice on a healthy, clean lifestyle - and, she has a husband and kiddos so it proves that even families can live this way. Anyhoo, I tried the lotion recipe on Saturday for the first time and was very impressed! I just made a fresh batch and let me just say - the second time is MUCH easier. Though it's not difficult or tricky, it's much better the second time. I used too much beeswax last time so the lotion was much thicker than I prefer. This time, I was prepared and used the same amount of beeswax but doubled the other ingredients (water, vitamin e, essential oil for scenting, and almond oil). I am excited to use it all over my body! This lotion is so much more effective and hydrating than the store-bought brands. I HIGHLY recommend trying it out. I love the whipped feel and look of this stuff! The ingredients are not too expensive, last more than one batch, and can be found at any health food store. Go try it out!I hope you all enjoy your LONG weekend thoroughly and take a minute to remember those who have served our country. So many of our men and women are still over seas, and here in the States, sacrificing their time and lives to protect us. Let's not forget that this holiday, Memorial Day, is meant to reflect on the freedom that we experience because of the lives that have been given.
