This Week's Menu & Debbie Downer

Beans. Rice. Ramen.

No seriously, we are eating more than these basic thrifty staples. (Goddess dressing is in there.) I have been a bad blogger and not posted our meals the past couple of weeks. Shame on me.

Since our transmission decided to die on us at a not-so-good time (when is it a good time?!), I am feeling extra frugal. I'll be back to posting meals (boring and budget friendly included) on Monday.

All this budget, transmission failure, bad blogging has me really sounding like.....you know....Debbie Downer. Whenever D and I really need a good laugh we bust a gut to some old Debbie Downer skits. If you can make it past the damn commercial (sorry), prepare yourself for 4:09. We wipe tears away every time.

Oh Sweet Babycakes!

BabyCakes, the Book of Recipes: It's Here (Almost)! from BabyCakes NYC on Vimeo.

First, watch the video. Next, let's discuss.

I am not a baker. But BabyCakes may convert me. This is the bakery cookbook I have been waiting for. I will try to become a bit of a measurer if it means I can give my family healthy, tasty treats--guilt free. (Not to mention the kids love baking.)

If you've been around Pittsy's Place for long you know I hate high fructose corn syrup like it's the devil. Further complicating matters, I have two kids who don't do dairy, one that has taken us all to gluten-lite diet and a highly influential father who is vegan. Put all this together and it adds new meaning to guilt-free pleasures (of the culinary design). I swear, the more you know, the harder it gets.

I have all but ruled out treats in our home because I can't find healthful alternatives that don't taste like...alternatives. When it's not good it just reminds you what you are trying to replace thus making you long for the 'real' treat that much more. Completely counter productive. Agreed?

Anyway, I am so excited to maybe change some of that and indulge a bit. I've known of Babycakes for some time and have been dying to give some of these goodies a try. With reads like this, I can see we are going to be together for some time. Good thing they are opening a location out west soon.

How fun is the video, by the way?!

Snow Great!

Oh me, oh my. We had the best weekend in our local mountains. I may have to do a couple posts to ween myself off the good times.

For starters, we had fantastic weather gifting us with great, fresh snow. We are certain we have found the best cabin on the mountain with the most perfect panoramic view of the lake, our own private hill and pristine hiking through the forest.

Photo taken before the snowfall.

As if that isn't enough, we had the most beautiful rainbow shining down on us for a good part of one day. Here's a little video the husband shot. Take it in. (He's a little silly. It's one of the things I love about him.) Sigh.