Like Water for Chocolate

I just finished Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Espuival for my December book club. Published in 1989 and was also made into a motion picture in 1992. This story centers around a character named Tita whom is the youngest daughter and her family in Mexico which includes her mama Elena and sisters Gertrudis, Rosaura and their help Chencha and Nacha.

Tita falls in love at a young age but finds out that the family tradition forbids the youngest daughter from marrying so that she can care for her mother. Her mother's stubborn nature does not intend to back down on this particular tradition. She expresses herself through her delicious Mexican dishes in the kitchen where the family cook Nacha raised her.

I found this book refreshing and a bit different from my usual reads. It used food as a great form of expression and passion and how it is a part of our daily lives. Which when you think about it food is a great form of creativity, love, mood buster and sustenance all in one. Sometimes it can also leave a bitter or foul taste in one's mouth as well depending on the preparation and time put into it. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys the love of cooking or eating for that matter.

Our 5 year Anniversary

Last Thursday was our 5th wedding anniversary. On October 14, 2005 we got married at our local courthouse. Yes, I was pregnant with our first child together and due with her in December. We decided to have a church wedding with a reception later. So, about 6 months later (April 29th, 2006) we had a nice church wedding. We celebrate our October Anniversary and about 2 years and one day later we had our second child together.

Both days turned out to be beautiful and special. I will never forget either day. Our church wedding was shared with many special people. Some of which recently passed away. Two uncles and an aunt on my dad's side recently passed away this year. One passed away this summer and two this fall about 3 weeks apart. It is sad time for all of us, but I will cherish our church wedding day because it is the last time we were all together at the same time. We had a wonderful time together. I have some great pictures in my album to ponder over and remember them.

We had a great anniversary despite our losses and had a nice dinner out just the two of us. I hope to have many more years together and feel blessed to have my husband and to have shared our special day with our loved ones.

October birthday and Pumpkin Decorating

In the top picture my daughter and youngest son are making masterpieces out of a couple of pumpkins with markers. The bottom picture is my youngest b-day party. He just turned 3, he didn't want to sit in front of the cake so his sister did. He loves Mickey Mouse so we did a Mickey Mouse theme. He had a bit of a cranky day and was overwhelmed but he did have some fun moments :) What is cute about this picture is that they look in awe of their big brother. A picture is worth a thousand words ;)

The Help

I finished this book while camping. I could not put it down, easy, thoughtprovoking and entertaining read. It is by Kathryn Stockett and it is her first novel. Picture Jackson, Mississippi in the 1960's when black folks are good enough to work for white folks and take care of their children, but not good enough to share bathrooms, movie theatres, stores, social gatherings( unless working) ect.

It takes on a couple of different points of view from maids and one young woman trying to become a writer. It talks about their daily lives as maids and regular everyday people much like the women they work for except they do their own work. Skeeter is the young white woman whom is wanting a career in writing. She remembers her maid Constantine as a loving family member even though she was paid help. She misses her and wants to know the story behind her leaving. I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to any avid reader.

Back from Camping

We are back and it was a great time to be with the family and relax with no internet, tv or phone. The first week at home I went one whole day without internet on Sunday and the second day I did get on to check my e-mail and then by the third day I eased back into facebook LOL

I admit I didn't give it up the first week as planned but I did learn self control and how to limit my tme on the computer so I am greatful for that. The week of camping I did not have internet, tv or a phone and I read more and spent more time with the family and lived without it happily and joyfully. Overall I learned that I can limit my time and spend some quality time with my family. I am looking forward to doing it again.

Unplugged

Since we are going camping soon, I have decided to not be on the internet for two weeks. Starting tomorrow August 15th until August 29th. I think I will spend more quality time with my kids, read more, learn and grow. I will report back on how the two weeks went. I hope to be refreshed and renewed and learn more about my family and myself. This is a part of my intentional living.

Click Here to learn more.

Banana Muffins

This is from allrecipes.com

Ingredients:

1 1/2cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large bananas
3\4 cup white sugar
1 egg
1\3 cup butter, melted

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat muffin pans with non-stick spray, or use paper liners. Sift together the flour, baking and salt; set aside.

2. Combine bananas, sugar, egg, and melted butter in a large bowl. Fold in flour mixture, and mix until smooth. Scoop into muffin pans.

3. Bake n preheated oven. Bake mini muffins for 10 to 15 minutes, and large muffins for 25 to 30 minutes. Muffins will spring back when lightly tapped.

I added some chocolate chips to the recipe.