ODDS & ENDS

Last weekend I settled in with a caramel macchiato and my favorite pen and the workbook Matt printed for me and started to read, and write, and … I wouldn’t say it actually felt good, but it felt … helpful?

I’ve mentioned before that 2012 was a hard year and there are many things I’d like to do differently in 2013. I did end up choosing a word for 2013, one that I’d like to guide the choices I make this year, and once we reach December, I’ll share a little more about that word and how it has played out in 2013!

Also last weekend? I bought a carpet cleaner. And I may have been a little too excited about this purchase, but it was worth every penny once we started using it.

It was a busy week at home and at work, but I tried to embrace the idea that busy people get more done, and it worked (someone remind me of this next week). I did more cooking than usual, with no major mishaps. We had an easy “big salad” on Thursday night – we do this about once a week, throw All The Vegetables and some protein in a bowl and call it good (which it is). A few more recipes I made this week …

Sweet, Sticky & Spicy Tofu
My friend Anika told me ages ago how she presses tofu to make sure it isn’t soggy, and I finally got to try it this week. The tofu cubes I ended up with are not nearly as neat and pretty and toasty as the ones in the recipe photo, but they made a pretty good lunch on Wednesday!

Spicy Roasted Cauliflower
I like cauliflower. I like roasting things. On Tuesday night I made this easy, healthy recipe from Eat Live Run. It smelled AMAZING while roasting, and had a nice rich, spicy flavor. Matt seemed to enjoy it too and commented on the spice mixture being nice and different.

Slow Cooker Jambalaya
Threw this in the Crock-Pot on Wednesday morning, came home to a yummy dinner. I love my Crock-Pot! It’s like an Easy Button for dinner. I used instant rice. Don’t judge.

And that’s all for the week. We have a huge undertaking ahead this weekend (hint, our Google Calendar says: MOVIN’ IN) and I’ll share more about it next week! Oh, and the Super Bowl. I’m not excited about it after the disappointing Pats vs. Ravens game – to be honest, I’m not really a football fan unless it’s the playoffs and the Pats are playing. But I like the snacks, so there’s that.

How has your week been/what are you all up to this weekend? I’ve been thinking of doing a regular Friday Odds & Ends post with an open comment thread for chit-chat about whatever strikes your fancy, related or unrelated to my own personal odds and ends, so feel free to share any links/recipes/whatever in the comments!