I have a confession to make.  I’m involved in a long-standing love affair and it’s time I make it public!  I can no longer keep it to myself and must make it known to be true to myself!

I don’t know about you, but Monday mornings still hit me hard.  Being a Stay At Home Mom, I kinda thought maybe Mondays wouldn’t come around and hit me like a train.

When I was working, Mondays were rough because my girls did NOT want to get up and get ready – even though they were going to Disneyland their Mamaw’s house!  I was always racing around to get myself ready, get them ready, and get all of their gear packed and make sure I didn’t forget anything for work.

I often treated myself to a MEGA size coffee or latte on my way to work, and or as a quick break during my morning, and or as an afternoon pick me up.  There were days – I’ll admit – that I had more than two one indulgence.

I thought after I quit my job that maybe Monday mornings would be pleasant and leisurely.  That I would have time and that my desperate need for coffee would ease away with time.

But I was wrong.

I don’t mind being wrong. Coffee is one of my all-time favorite things!

I would just prefer that it be served to me while I am still lying in bed.  You know – in the pretty china cup & saucer, along with a warm muffin and fresh strawberries.  By my maid who has already cleaned the house and done the laundry & dishes. (Doesn’t that sound divine!?!)

Instead, I’m usually stumbling to the kitchen, struggling to make the coffee, while meeting the demands of 2 girls who need “Milk, please” or “Yogurt, Mommy!”

The aroma of the brewing coffee starts to get my brain moving.  I pour it into a giant “Central perk” alá Friends style mug – add a good serving of creamer (or milk and sugar-free flavored syrup) and stir it well.

And then, I take that first sip.

Ahhhhhhh.

It’s like I’ve just discovered the Fountain of Youth.  My aches & pains melt away – my fog clears – and I am once again ready to face another day.  I can see, I can move – I can think!

I have a love affair with coffee.

But it is especially precious to me on Monday morning… It doesn’t demand anything of me.  It just gives itself to me – the aroma, the flavor, the buzz…  Sometimes I brew it in time for my hubby & I to share a cup before he leaves for work.  And sometimes, I savor its tantalizing sweetness alone…

For about 2 seconds, until my girls start clamoring for a sip.  (See – it’s genetic!)  But I would never even consider trading my husband or children for the perfect cup.  Well, not permanently at least!

My love affair continues whether I’m working or being a Stay at home mom or a Work at home mom.

Maybe it’s not made by a professional anymore.  (Not every day anyway…) Maybe I gulp it out of my favorite chipped Mega-Cafe mug while still wearing my PJs.  Maybe I have to

It doesn’t even pay the bills – it just makes this Mommy happy!

Photo credit:  photo credit: oosp, photo credit: Merelymel13, photo credit: Photos8.com

Okay – remember how I said My Mom Rocks!?!  Here’s another reason why I think so:

Ziploc Omelets!

My brother, Dan, and his family came over to my parents house on Saturday morning while we were visiting last weekend, and mom decided to offer us Ziploc Omelets for breakfast (along with fruit, juice, coffee, and pecan rolls, of course!)

If you ever need to cook breakfast or brunch for a crowd, this is an easy way to offer personalized omelets with little mess – OR – making people wait forever until its their turn to “order” their omelet.

Here’s how it works: [Read more...]

This has been a great week in the world of food.  Is there really ever a BAD week???

I found some great new websites and new posts that really might make your mouth water – so grab a napkin or towel – and check out these links:

Melissa of Schweet ‘N Savory,  interviewed Melissa Murphy – of  Sweet Melissa Patisserie in New York – and shares her Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe.  This is a really great interview and details how Ms. Murphy became a chef.

Your Homebased Mom, Leigh Anne, shows off some Black Angus Garlic Cheese Bread – and here’s where your handy-dandy drool towel comes in…

Cool Summer Salads were popular this week, with Blue Kitchen’s Chicken Salad with Toasted Coconut and Roasted Cashews – as well as Tidy Mom’s Chicken Salad with fruit.

Another refreshing option for summer is Meatless Mama’s Coconut Key Lime Smoothie. I really love the tartness of key lime combined with the sweetness of coconut.  In case you can’t find a coconut, she recommends substituting a can of coconut milk. (And if you’re so inclined, you could make an adult version with a splash of Malibu…) Mmmmmmmmmmmm!

I’ve NEVER thought of this before – but Smitten Kitchen shows you how to easily make your own Graham Crackers!  They just look yummy – and how good would they be with the toaster oven s’mores recipe from last week?

Last, but definitely NOT least, you should take some time to visit Make It from Scratch’s Foodie Carnival #118.  We’re talking a serious host of great recipes, helps, and pretties for the kitchen, too!

P.S. – Here’s a Bonus:  My friend, Christin offers up a GREAT idea to deal with the “Mommy, I’m Bored” doldrums by recycling an empty oatmeal canister!!!

What’s your favorite foodie link?

Melissa Ringstaff, The Vintage Homemaker, is offering a great selection of cookbooks in a giveaway!

How do you win one of nine cookbooks?  Simply blog about it with a link back – and leave a comment at her post!

Here’s the list of cookbooks she’s offering:

#1 The Festive Vegetarian by Rose Elliot
#2 Home Baking by Martha Day
#3 The Recipes of the Five Brothers Vol. III
#4 In the Kitchen with Rosie (& Oprah Winfery) by Rosie Dailey
#5 Prime Time Emeril by Emeril Lagasse
#6 One Potato, Two Potato by Roy Filamore
#7 Cooking without Fat by George Matelijan
#8 Recipes 1-2-3 by Rozanne Gold
#9 The Flavor of the South by Jeanne A. Voltz

GOOD LUCK!