IS THIS WONDERLAND???

As Alice followed a white rabbit down that hole and then into craziness, my household meals seem to be following the same strange pattern. Take-out pizza, boxes of pasta and days of leftovers have been the mainstay longer than I care to admit. “But you’re Tasty Mama” friends say, “How bad can it be?”
I’m sorry…who is this Tasty Mama again?
I am frazzled and falling apart as I ready Big and Little P. for my imminent departure. Joico has called and I thrillingly have accepted the opportunity to travel and launch an important new product. I will go to Hong Kong in a few days to help our International partners learn more about Re:nu, our anti-aging hair care regimen. (Which is awesome, by the way!)
Babysitters must be found, laundry must be done, cabinets and refrigerators must be stocked, and international itineraries typed. Oh…and I guess I need to pack too, huh?!? It’s a wacky wonderland over here, and needless to say, what gets put on the table is the furthest thing from my mind!
(Take a breath, Kim.)
It happens to the best of us; preoccupation with life and the constant flux of details can wreak havoc on our Martha Stewart-Wannabee plans. Still I try, and ultimately find solace by “cheating” with some clever side dishes.
Frozen, grilled zucchini is quickly heated under the broiler along with some thinly sliced fresh carrot. Give it all a rough chop, toss with some lemon juice, olive oil and fresh mint- Yummy.
Olivia’s Organics Herb Salad is a box of greens that provides a great base for a beautiful salad. Add fresh pomegranate seeds (buy them already shelled at Trader Joe’s) with crumbles of goat cheese, slivered yellow bell pepper, and a handful of shelled pumpkin seeds. Serve with your favorite vinaigrette and a smile.
Use vegetable broth instead of plain water to cook your bulgur and dried red lentils. When the fluffy dish is ready, fold in some grated pecorino, fresh chopped parsley, and paper-thin slivers of lemon. Drizzle with olive oil and you’re in heaven.
Each of these simple sides makes me feel like I have a handle on the dinnertime chaos—even as I make the call to Domino’s for delivery pizza. I know it’s only a matter of time before I pull myself together, get inspired, and start cooking up some T.L.C. in the kitchen again. I just hope I come to my senses long before the boys revolt and I start hearing “Off with her head!”