Trying out the "Housewife" Role

 I have settled nicely into Florida. Getting used to the constant hot weather (thanks MO) and light rain about every day. I'm getting used to Brandon's all day schedules, unpacked and organized our new apartment, and feeling positive about the job situations.

For the first time in the past two years, it feels nice to just do things for myself and not feel the constant stress of grad school projects, balancing multiple jobs, and planning the wedding. I read not just one book...but TWO books--FOR FUN! I haven't done that since the Hunger Games. 

And I'm stepping up my game in the housewife department. Which includes cooking. Something I have never been known for, or have really enjoyed.  Brandon & I's meals over the last two years came from the freezer, usually in cardboard, and are made in only minutes. But that was part of my goal for married life. I would cook a meal at least three times a week and nothing is microwaved, and I've been pretty proud of myself.  I've been using all of my new kitchen toys and doing my Pinteresting! 

None of my recipes are complicated or include too many ingredients. I've been sticking to pastas, pizzas, steamed vegetables, tacos...the easy stuff. Plus, I'm not getting all "clean eating" and healthy, I like real food, bring on the cheese and potatoes! 

Using my new Wok & my favorite parmasean edamame

French toast & strawberries! And Cinnabon Maple Syrup..Bomb dot com

I have also started introducing fall into our household. I figure, being in central Florida, I won't technically ever get a "fall." From what I hear, the cool weather will start in November, and that is already Christmas season, so I figure I can start whenever I want to! So last night, I got a craving for Pumpkin Spiced Chocolate Chip Cookies at 9pm, and that meant a late night trip to the grocery store. These cookies taste awesome and are more fluffy like a sweet bread. Just take a regular chocolate chip recipe, add 1 cup Puree Pumpkin, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon nutmeg and ta-da. Fall explosion in your mouth.

The pumpkin wheat beer helps with that explosion.