Luckily things have really slowed down at work so I can spend today indoors making things in my pajamas. I'm wearing my dad's NASA sweatshirt that's older than I am. WIN. Here are a few pics to chronicle.
Here's the chocolate chip banana bread I made for my co-workers yet ate myself, although it was really not good. Kellyn made one, too. I'll bet you a loaf of money hers turned out great. And yes, that's real snow on the plate as I attempted to take this photo outside and almost fell and then realized I was getting snow in my coffee. Katie got me that mug. Seemed like a nice sentiment today.
I walked to Office Depot to buy a phone charger and candy. Snow day needs. Here's a pic from the walk, which I really enjoyed.
My driveway.
Bert checking out the snow.
And finally, when life hands you a snow day, invite the neighbors over for impromptu game night and make "snow-covered pretzels!"
Blame it on cancer, or whatever you will, but after learning that at least three close friends of mine lost loved ones this week, and I read other friends' blogs about cancer who are scared that each day might be their last, I have to share this quote (I made a slight winter adaptation above) I found last night on a lovely post here. People are going nuts here over the snow and it's immense inconveniences. Yes, I missed a doctor's appointment I really needed to have, and deadlines are being missed on work projects. Things are closed and it's annoying and inconvenient. Super Bowl travel is a super mess.
But it's beautiful. I've cooked more this week and spent more time in the pajama pants I got for Hanukkah than usual. I've slowed down, not texted while driving, and amused myself with all the stuff I have at home. Laughed with my mom about her energy to clean her oven. Smiled that my sister-in-law was overjoyed to spend every 9-5 moment with my nephew. Reminded that people are good as a total stranger got out of his warm car to push mine up the road the other day.
I can't help but think of those who have moved on up to the heavenly gorgeous skies this week. They're having a party and reminding us that they are okay. Throwing confetti down on us.
So, only this month did I learn about the new baby gender reveal party trend. This party can be small, between the parents, or something larger, like this sweet couple did.
I just whipped up the easiest, best homemade chicken noodle soup I've ever had. I can say this comfortably only because my mom's soup involves matzo balls of course and therefore makes it different. Anyhoo, I had a rotisserie chicken that I wanted to use up and that was the inspiration, along with this recipe I've made so many times I have memorized.
Okay, so here's my recipe for Brrrrrt's Purrrfect Chicken Noodle Soup (Yep, coined it.)
1. Heat a tablespoon or so of olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat. 2. While that's warming up, chop a handful of baby carrots and a couple of pieces of celery. 3. Add carrots, celery, a bay leaf, and a handful of frozen chopped onions to the pot. (Frozen chopped onions are SO CONVENIENT. No tears, no chopping.) 4. Add a box (or a box and a half if you have two on hand) of chicken broth. 5. While those are simmering, slice some small pieces of chicken off of a store-bought rotisserie chicken. I bought a lemon pepper chicken from Wal-Mart and I'm convinced that's why this soup had such great flavor. I chopped about a cup and a half. Add the chicken to the pot. 6. Add the pasta. I went for this and it was perfect. I probably added about a cup/cup and a half. Just eyeball it. You can't ever have too many noodles.
7. Simmer for about 7 minutes or until the pasta is done to your liking.
Grab a hunk of bread and hit the couch. Then, of course put one serving in the freezer to share with a friend who has a cold and enjoy the rest for yourself. Cheers!
Good morning from chilly Dallas! After a bit of trubs on the roads yesterday, I'm not chancing it today. Instead, I'll work from home. What a perfect excuse to cook up something nice in a stock pot. Here are a few recipes I'm hoping I have the ingredients for already in the house. I am linking to a few different food blogs so y'all can check 'em out. :)
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