2011.

Welcome to 2011! I'm not surprised how quickly 2010 went by...nor am I surprised how quickly Christmas break went by. It happens every year. And here we are, back to work, back to the daily grind. But I'm not upset about that. The break was fabulous and refreshing, very productive. And by productive I mean about 1-2 days of cleaning, 5-6 days just relaxing and being lazy. It was wonderful.

Here are some highlights of the Christmas break:

-spending time w/family (mine and his), though we wish we could've spent more time w/his family since we don't see them very often, but our visit was cut short due to the snow that was on its way to Philly. We had to go home 2 days earlier :(

-cleaning my bathroom. It wasn't a "highlight" WHILE I was cleaning it. The result was the highlight. Clean floor, clean shower, clean tub, clean vanity. I like clean things. 

-receiving 3 of Alton Brown's cookbooks. Stay tuned for a "Julie & Julia" style food blog when I take on ALL the recipes in AB's baking cookbook. Pictures will be included.

-receiving a food dehydrator! What a wonderful invention. Last night we dehydrated some fruit: bananas, mango and pineapples. So delicious and healthy and glorious in every possible way. Now when we make beef jerky I don't know if I can give it that exact same description...just "delicious and glorious" :)

-catching up on all the episodes of Psych I've missed. I've now seen every episode for 4 seasons, thanks to Netflix. Season 5 needs to come out soon. I'm going through Psych-withdrawal.

-reading again. Like, REALLY reading... actual books...on a regular basis. The husband and I have been reading through a book called "Sex and the Supremacy of Christ" (Piper). I highly recommend it. Though if I were to re-title the book, I'd call it "The Supremacy of Christ and Sex". It's a very Christ-centered look at what sex is and what it was created for; how it was originally intended by its Creator...and of course, how the world has twisted and corrupted it. Very good read. In addition, we've also started to each read something else for fun. I'm starting to read "The Hobbit", and then the other 3 LOTR books are waiting for me when I finish that. I love reading. I've missed reading. I'm so thankful I'm reading again.

-and of course....sleeping in. That's always a highlight.

*For a completely random, but hopefully helpful and informative thought on cooking: here's a good tip my husband taught me (that I had to learn the hard way): never ever use salt grinders during the cooking process. Never, I say! It's too difficult to know just exactly how much you're using, mostly because you can't really see it all coming out of the grinder and it immediately dissolves once it touches the hot foods. Sprinkle salt into the palm of your hand, then add gradually (tasting a little bit as you go so you know when to stop). And when it comes to salt in general, less IS more. Use the grinder for off the stove-top, on your individual plate of food if you desire to add more. How did I learn the hard way, you ask?: by completely ruining a perfectly good batch of spinach! :( It was cooking in the pan w/garlic and olive oil, and lots of pepper (which you can NEVER have enough of in my opinion...I <3 pepper), and then I proceeded to grind in the salt...and then a little more salt cause it looked like I had SO much spinach to cover...until of course it cooked down to nothing...in like 3 seconds. Stupid spinach. I knew that would happen, but it took me by surprise how quickly it would happen. Anyway....long story short: it was way too salty. WAY too salty. I was sad. But I learned my lesson and you better believe I will never cook salty spinach again. Ever.

Love,
Mrs. Griffiths

Dishes & Pyrex & Cookie Sheets, O My!

BIG UPDATE ladies and gents....last night, I got to unpack and put away kitchen gadgets and accessories for the first time since I received them (at my bridal shower...in MAY). Even though the kitchen isn't completely finished yet, it was still fun getting to take everything out of boxes and put them away in cabinets :) My new Corelle dishes, a Kitchen Aid blender, lots of Pyrex storage dishes, cookie sheets, glasses, mixing bowls, an espresso maker, and Tupperware are just a few of things I got to put away last night. I purposely didn't finish because I wanted to have more to do tonight. I know, I'm weird. Tonight I plan on unpacking our pots and pan set and putting them away somewhere, bringing down a lot of the kitchen stuff we've had in our bedroom for the past few months, and maybe even do a load of laundry or two. Oh, and continue taking care of my poor sick husband. He's been sick the entire month of December. And he's not the only one! Coughing and sneezing surrounds me wherever I go! Thank the Lord I have not yet gotten whatever you all have. Hand sanitizer and Vitamin C are my friends :)

Here is my kitchen (for those who didn't already see it on facebook ). It's a little cleaner now than it was when this picture was taken. There also isn't bright green plastic on the oven anymore.

Anyway, to switch gears completely, I'd like to share a random Christmas verse for today. Context: the birth of Jesus Christ. Because of this wonderful news, a great host of angels begin praising and glorifying God, saying:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
   and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14

I am so thankful that I am in the Lord's favor! Because of that truth, I can have a peace and a joy that surpasses comprehension and human understanding. 

That is all! Have a wonderful Christmas. Read Luke chapter 2. 

Sincerely,

Mrs. Griffiths

Randomosity

1. That's a funny word.

2. The kitchen isn't functional yet. I know I know, I got everyone's hopes up on facebook. BUT...we do have everything IN the kitchen now. Appliances, cabinets, etc. It's all there. It just needs to be installed/hooked up. But it's a beautiful thing. Stainless steel appliances up against new cherry cabinets, on top of a brand new tile floor. Maybe it's just because I've never had a "new kitchen" before, but I don't feel like it's really ours yet. I mean, in the big picture, nothing is ours, everything was given by God and ultimately belongs to Him. But I mean I feel like it's someone else's kitchen and we're just renting it or something...even though we're not using it yet. Perhaps once it becomes functional and we actually start using it on a regular basis, it will feel more normal, and feel like ours. I've just become so used to seeing things unfinished I don't quite know how to handle it finished lol.

3. I'm cold right now. I hate being cold. And I'm mad because I work on the 3rd floor of the building, and earlier I walked downstairs to the 2nd floor and it was nice and toasty. Grrr.

4. I am so thankful to NOT be working in retail anymore, and especially not during the Christmas season. It really brings out the best in people, ya know? And by best, and I mean absolute worst. Ivor and I were at Lowes the other day, waiting in line behind a really nasty customer who was giving the customer service girl a really hard time. I felt for her, cause I've been there. Many times. I also just feel embarrassed for the rude customer. I wish I could show them a video tape of themselves; they'd be embarrassed too. I mean really...is it worth it? Over a toy? Over an article of clothing? Over a couple bucks? Over a parking spot? It just really shows how greedy, materialistic and selfish people can be. And it shows how angry I can be....cause I want to punch those customers in the face. I would never act on that, but I think it. Often. I also tell them off in my head sometimes. Anyway...it's just a reminder of how far we've gone from celebrating the real meaning of Christmas. It's not about the new hot toy or game out there...it's not about getting the closest parking spot at Macy's so you can be first in the line and have the first pick of everything...it's not about material things at all. It's about celebrating the birth of a Savior...who came to take the punishment for the very sins we're all committing. Ironic how the wretchedness of man comes out the MOST during the time we're supposed to be celebrating the One who died to pay for that very wretchedness. I'm guilty myself. Obviously the desire to punch people in the face isn't really healthy. I'm working on that. Anyway...material things will pass away. Having the coolest toy or game or article of clothing (or for me-->Frye boots) means nothing in the end. I'm reminded of two verses:

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." - 2 Corinthians 4:18

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." - Colossians 3:1-3

We should be more concerned with the things that last. And quite frankly the things that last, aren't "things" at all. Though there's nothing wrong with exchanging gifts during Christmas, it just shouldn't be the main focus and shouldn't overshadow the the real meaning. That's all I'm saying. And if you can't afford many presents this year (like myself) you shouldn't feel bad or guilty.

5. I'm done my Christmas rant. That's right, not a "holiday" rant. I said Christmas rant. I get offended when people say "holiday" and not Christmas. But does anyone care about ME, a Christian, being offended? Apparently not. Oh well. Christmas. Christmas. Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas CHRISTmas.



Christmas.

6. Sorry, I had to get that out. Actually...I'm not sorry.

7. On a completely different note, I could go for some cookies right now. Once our stove is hooked up, I'm going to bake up a storm! I've been reading recipes for almost 5 months now...just waiting for the opportunity to try them...all. My husband is going to love/hate me. Love me because I will provide him with a variety of a baked goods for him to try; hate me because....I will provide him with a variety of baked goods to try. Probably every day :)

 8. Lord, give us self-control to not be gluttons during this Christmas season. Oops, I said it again :)

9. Speaking of my husband, I love that man. I really do. Maybe because he's currently sick, there's something vulnerable about him that makes me love him more. Maybe it's because he lost his voice, which is wonderful for me, uh I mean terrible! Poor guy... :) j/k. I love him. It's the little things...like when he leaves for work and I'm still sleeping and he gives me a kiss on the cheek before he leaves.

10. He's probably so embarrassed by this blog because I say sappy things about him.

11. For my husband I will rephrase #9: "My husband is so manly and tough when he's sick, and he sometimes give me a nice MANLY kiss on the cheek before he leaves for work.". Is that better? :)

Thus ends quite possibly the most random blog entry ever. These were just things on my mind this morning...they don't all have to make sense together. Not every blog entry has to be one comprehensive and cohesive thought. Those are my rules and I'm sticking to them.

The end.

A Griffiths Thanksgiving

Well, Ivor and I [sort of] hosted our first Thanksgiving together (even though it was at my brother's house).  We somehow got volunteered to cook the majority of the food, which was no big deal. We thoroughly enjoyed it :)

Here's what was on the menu (well, what Ivor and I made anyway):

Turkey: brined w/the Pioneer Woman's special brine recipe and let me tell you it was AMAZING. If you've never tried brining a turkey before, I beg you, try it. Basically what it does is keeps the meat very very moist. There are other scientific things it does, but all you really need to know is that it will be the most tasty meat you've ever had. In addition to the brine, we added "aromatics" (aka things that make the meat more flavorful and fragrant) into the cavity of the bird, instead of traditional stuffing. The aromatics included: carrots, celery, onion, half an apple, and lots of yummy herbs. Then I covered the outside of the bird with canola oil, to give it a nice golden brown crisp. It all turned out wonderfully. Best smelling and tasting bird I've ever had!

Mashed Potatoes: Garlic, obviously. I used red skinned potatoes, and mashed them with the skin on-- a little chunky, a little creamy, threw in sea salt, coarsely ground pepper and a dash of nutmeg and YUM.  Didn't last long :)

Grilled Asparagus: made with love by my husband. I believe he used garlic (of course), olive oil and probably some other special ingredient no one knows about. They were amazing.

Fresh cranberry sauce made from scratch, with bourbon (yes, that's real whiskey), vanilla beans (actual vanilla beans), cinnamon, nutmeg and a bit of orange zest. This sauce is not for the kiddies, and is to be eaten in moderation....though, it certainly wasn't :) It was a big hit! Way to go Ivor :)

Apple crumb cobbler: Ivor made it. There were no leftovers. That's all I have to say.

Banana Cream Pie: Ivor also made this from scratch especially for our special guest, Drew. Best pie ever. I'm only upset he didn't make a few more.

(have I mentioned how blessed I am to have a gourmet chef for a husband?)

Cranberry and Pomegranate Cosmos. Not sure there's anything else I need to add to that.

Ivor also made some sort of fried eggplant and pasta dish for our vegetarian guest :) I didn't get a chance to try it though I'm sure that was also delicious.

OH, and I forgot to mention the homemade gravy Ivor made from the turkey drippings. I can't even remember how he did it....but it was also the best gravy I've ever had.

This was the year of "best evers"...for sure.

Well...I think that was everything. I'm already planning next year's :)

Little Jewels

First experience w/Pomegranates last night: a semi-success!

I say "semi" because I'm not sure what I was thinking buying them now BEFORE I have a kitchen and a proper work space to cut and extract the seeds properly (the bathroom vanity wasn't the greatest idea). But I listened to various warnings and made sure I wore old clothes, because the juice squirts and stains easily! I made all the right cuts and used a big bowl of cold water...I just forgot the drying w/a paper towel part. Oh well.

They made for a wonderful, refreshing, tasty and healthy snack for me and my husband today. In the future, I'd like to do more things with them like actually make juice (which isn't too hard). They are wonderful w/cream cheese on crackers, on salads, in yogurt, w/ice cream, you name it.

If you've never tried pomegranates, 'tis the season!! Do it now while they're still ripe.

Wish List

Here are a few things on my Christmas Wish List this year (w/explanations). First, it started w/just 2 things:
1.)

The Pioneer Woman cookbook. I've recently been obsessed w/her website because she loves everything I love: food, photography, family, country, etc. From what I've heard, most of the recipes can already be found on her food blog, but I like to have a book I can lay on the counter top in front of me while cooking. And...I just like books.

2.)

Please note: this is on MY wish list. Not my husband's. He plays Fifa (that's soccer for all you non-soccer people out there). I play 1st person shooter games. Don't judge me. I don't have anger issues. I'm not a violent person. I just like pretending I'm a solider taking care of the bad guys.

So that was all I could think of that I wanted. Until I started browsing shoes...

3.)

Check out these hot boots!! :) I could really use a good pair of these babies....

4.)

Ivor and I watch Alton's Brown show, "Good Eats" all the time. This is his baking cookbook. Ivor wants all of his other cook books, I specifically want the baking one...for obvious reasons (I <3 sweets)

Speaking of sweets.....

5.)

I could really use this nice cooling rack to put some freshly baked cookies on....


Then I realized I should probably get some better photography equipment if I really want to make the big bucks someday...

6.)

This flash attachment received an average of 5 out of 5 stars based on over 300 customer reviews from amazon.com. I think it might just be a good buy


7.)

Another video game. This one might be a little less offensive than COD. Super Mario Bros. A classic brought back! Again, received an overwhelming amount of good reviews.


8.)

The Chronicles of Narnia. Never read the books. Love the movie(s). A classic collection I can't believe I don't already own. Plus, this is a must-have for the library once the Griffiths babies start coming along :)


So there you have it: a glimpse of my wish list. Other things include a few DVD's, and more camera accessories. Oh, and a kitchen would be nice :)

Merry (almost) Christmas!!!!

Mrs. Griffiths

It IS an Adventure.

Last night we made burgers on the electric griddle. Set the smoke alarms off. Then we nuked a kitchen sponge in the microwave (because we read it gets rid of nasty bacteria), but someone left it in too long and it melted.....our room smelled just lovely :)

I'm sooooooo ready for our kitchen to be done. No more doing dishes in my whirlpool tub. No more using a tv tray as a countertop. No more relying on the microwave and the crockpot as our only means of cooking meals.  It will be nice to have our bedroom just be a bedroom...not a bedroom/kitchen/living room in one lol.

Sigh...


Though we are making wonderful and humorous memories to look back on someday, I'm just ready to look back on them now.

Oh and did I mention the cat poop on my sheets? That has nothing to do w/our kitchen not being finished...but just another fun moment in the Griffiths household. I love you Mojo, but if you track poop and litter onto my bed again we're gonna have problems.

Stay tuned for more Griffiths Newlywed Adventures!! :)

Sincerely,
Mrs. Griffiths