On Sunday we came home to a dreary rainy fall day. But we were glad to be cozy again in our home sweet home! Brunch kept us full until dinnertime when we made a simple pasta dish with two eggplants from our garden, a jar of homemade tomato sauce, noodles and parmesan cheese.
Simple and easy! Pasta is always ready in the pantry.
Transitions
A boring Sunday gave me the opportunity to put two blogs posts in one. I’ve really enjoyed being 2 days behind because it takes ALL the pressure off of getting a post up each day, but a lot of you have said you wish I was only one day behind (or not behind at all). Unfortunately, I think my days of blogging 3 times a day in real time are over. I certainly could do that, but since stepping back and doing one post a day, I’ve realized how much more I like it. Many of you have said the same, so after 5 years of 3x daily, I think KERF will be a one poster blog from here on out. At least until there’s a reason to change again.
Blogging the day after means my posts will be completely unpredictable, and I might even have to skip and day every now and then. So just be aware of that and don’t worry if I go missing : )
* * *
So here’s Monday!!
This was one INcredible bowl of overnight oats!
I don’t really measure the proportions, so I don’t really know what they were, but I think I used more milk than usual and the pumpkin made this bowl taste and feel like pumpkin pie. In side was 1/3 cup oats, plus maybe 2/3 cup milk and 1/3 cup greek yogurt (also contributing to the creaminess), chia seeds, a pinch of salt and a splash of vanilla. On top was the last of my Autumn Spice Granola and a new flavor from Wild Squirrel – Vanilla Espresso! If you like coffee and you like almond butter, you will love this flavor.
LOVE my latest mug – a wedding gift from Meredith’s welcome bags made by her Aunt Ella!! Ella and I got to know each other over the weekend, and she is going to figure out a way to have some kind of online presence because these mugs need to be shared with the world! Such a pretty shape – and a perfect leaf for the fall!
After breakfast (which happened at, like, 10am) we played together and then got dressed for the day.
Baby jammies – so cute!!
We also practiced our smiles!!! Caught a few!
Lunch was a killer salad all piled up on a plate
A No Bull Burger on top of baby spinach with Woodstock dressing, apple slices, chopped olives and High Five toast cubes.
Every day I have a few personal goals in addition to all of our baby fun time:
- Shower
- Eat 3 meals
- Blog
- Straighten up house
And two optional ones:
- Walk/exercise
- Leave house for some reason
The first four items can easily be completed during naps, but adding in the last two makes my day pretty full! I can’t wait for the day when Maze will nap in his crib and/or like his stroller : )
So on Monday we squeezed in both a trip to Whole Foods AND a walk into one nap period. It was glorious.
One of the greatest joys of life: eating the melted rim of the ice cream carton when it’s been out after coming home from the grocery store!
Afternoon fuel: AnneP bar from the freezer!!
Matt worked 6-6 yesterday, so I did my best to have the baby ready for bed (if only he would actually go to bed!) and dinner in the oven when Matt came home. A few happy periods in the swing let me put together a chicken and roasted veggies dinner!
I cut up 3 sweet potatoes and a bag of brussels sprouts and rubbed them all in olive oil, salt, rosemary and pepper. I put them on the bottom of a pan and place some Organic Butcher herbed chicken on top and roasted it all at 400* for about an hour. Delicious and hands free!
Served with Popeye rolls Matt brought home from the bakery.
And then we went to bed!
Later Gators!
[email protected] says
Best onesie EVER! Yep, once you experience 1 post/day, it’s hard to go back…and then you experience 1 post/month. Uhhh…
Holly P. @ A Year in Wichita says
I enjoy the once daily posts. It makes the posts a bit hefty and there is always a morning post to look forward to!
Ali @ Peaches and Football says
That’s too funny – I love the melty rim of ice cream too! 🙂
You can tell Mazen is really getting some personality – LOVE the baby pajamas. Baby clothes in general are just too cute for words. I don’t have kids but still like to look at them in stores.
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
omg his footsie pajamas are too cute! And I’ve almost always been a one post a day blog and it really works best for me, especially since I’m a full time law student. Haha my day is too boring for 3 posts and I just don’t have time or enough to say! Personally I don’t mind your day-after posts rather than real time, I think they tend to be more reflective rather than rushed and just “here’s my breakfast!” We all evolve throughout our lives and I think this will be a good move for you now that you have little Maze!
Ella says
Things change with time, your Little Tiger is now priority No1, the blog and its readers may take the back seat for the time being 😉 I absolutely agree with Katie, day-after posts allow you “chewing and digesting time”, which makes them more thought throu.
Dynamics says
Although I enjoyed the 3 X daily I would love a one time a day in the morning. Mazen is way more important and way more cuter to look at than a computer screen. He just looks so adorable and cuddly. I do not know how you put him down.
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
I don’t mind at all with once a day post — priorities are priorities 🙂
And Mazen is getting even more cuter every single day!!
Sandi says
One post/day is fine, you’ve put in your time…and your dinner looks DI-vine! 😉
Sarah says
Before I became a mom, I had little sympathy for parents – I didn’t understand why your entire life had to change and why you had to work everything around the baby’s schedule. I remember it sinking in the day we left the hospital. We tried multiple times to leave, but the little guy just wanted to nurse repeatedly. The nurse kept politely checking, thinking we were never going to go! When our guy was 3 months old, he started sleeping a glorious 12 hours a night. But he went down at 5 pm. So no evenings out or late afternoon appointments or it messed up our whole night!
So you need to do what’s best for you, your baby and your sanity! A baby does change everything – for the better in my opinion. I do look forward to your blog every day, but the daily or multi-day recap is what a lot of blogging moms do and I think there’s a reason for that!
Ellen @ Wannabe Health Nut says
I don’t mind if you post in real time or not, or just once a day. I’m glad you found a routine that makes you happy. I’m just glad you are still blogging because man, I’d miss seeing your delicious eats and knowing what you’re up to! Love your dinner…did the chicken not dry out roasting it for an hour though?
KathEats says
It was just a wee bit dry, but we were temping it and it took that long. Still good though.
Kate S. says
I completely support you staying at 1 post per day and being a couple of days behind–I don’t really have any need to know what you are up to on a real-time basis; from my perspective, you could even just put the current date on a post about events that actually happened two days ago and I would have no way of knowing the difference! I also think the three-in-one gives the posts a little more heft and leaves out some of the, “I exercised, ate this for lunch and worked” posts. Those were fun but it’s totally reasonable to dispense with them now that you have a little one.
Mazen is so sweet!!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Great goals! So many women don’t even get those done after having a baby. I can’t imagine how much of effort the simplest things must be!
sheryl says
first off, thank you for sharing your world with us – it’s so nice to catch up each day – i like the new format. I am chiming in to encourage the sale of those wonderful mugs!!!!!!! Please pass that on to the artist!
Jennifer says
Those smiles are priceless! I know he is just melting your hearts. 🙂
I love how you are blogging right now and life changes. You have to go with those changes and family comes first.
I would LOVE one of those mugs! That is beautiful!
Jayme says
Enjoy your time being home with Maze, and don’t stress about the blog. This is time you can’t replace, and us readers should understand. And I, too, love eating the melted ice cream from the top of the rim when I get home from the grocery store. I thought it was my own strange habit!
Laurie says
I love the melty rim but I also love eating the last serving right out of the container! As for those little feet, they are irresistable. I just want to hold them!
Laura says
Love the pajama feet! I am a University of Florids grad so these would be a huge hit here! Do you remember where you got them?
KathEats says
They are on loan from a friend, several years old
natalie @ will jog for food says
I totally get the 1x per day! You are SOOO busy now, more than ever 🙂
I love his jammies!
Mo says
Blogging once a day is not a big deal…I still struggle to do THAT!! I always wondered how people could find the time to blog 2-3 times a day, so now I feel much better about myself. LOL
How cute is Mazen?????
Kristin says
His onsie is sooo cute!! That just made my day! 🙂
Where is it from?
And I support your 1X day posting…although I miss seeing you 3X….this gives me something to lookforward to each morning at work!
Sarah says
Love the grace you are showing yourself with your posting schedule. <3
Mary says
Great job combining two days into one – you rock! Do you still respond to emails? Also your pasta looks grand. We had tri-color penne with veggie meatballs last night for dinner with a little basil from the garden and parmie-reggie, of course!
KathEats says
Yup!
Kelly says
I feel the same as the others, you need to do what is best for your family. Although, I know the blog is a job for you, one post a day works too! I remember when you went on vacation and posted one big post a day and I really liked it and am liking what you are doing now too. I also don’t care of real time, I just really like to see some your food because I use it as suggestions for myself. Plus, now that we’ve gotten to know you, I would miss what you blog about each day! 🙂
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
Honestly, blogging good content takes time and when you’re busy with other things, time slips away. Right now is definitely the time you need to focus on what makes you happy and do what works for your family. I love your updates no matter how often you get them in! Have a great day Kath!
Kerry @ Totes My Oats says
Yummm, that salad! It must be so hard keeping a quality blog as a new mom! You’re doing a great job 🙂
Annette @FitnessPerks says
That dinner looks delicious!!
Amy says
Good for you for doing what is right for you! We love your posts regardless of the frequency. You have become a great source of joy for many of my days, so I heartily support you taking the necessary adjustments to keep your life happy. And I am melting over those gator feet. So stinkin’ cute!
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
I love that you’re going to one post per day. I don’t feel like I’ve missed anything if I don’t catch all the posts and feel like it’s just nice to sit down and read about what you have going on, all at once, once daily. And with your new life, role, unpredictability of it all, I have no idea how you’d realistically do more than 1 a day with any consistency…then again, your ability to post no matter what has always!! been amazing and mind-boggling how you’ve always pulled it off 🙂
jenna k says
agreed! i stress out when i miss posts, but sometimes three a day were a bit much for me to catch up on. 🙂
Morgan says
I have actually really enjoyed the one post a day! And I can see why you would want to stick with it. Especially now that you’re day is filled with so many things. I love your “no-hands” dinner. That looks like a typical go-to meal for us as well.
Enjoy your day!
Jill says
I’m glad to hear you’ll keep up with the once daily post. I like it much better than the three times a day. I usually don’t comment on your blog but thought I would just past that along. I’ve been reading your blog for almost a year. I really enjoyed following along with your pregancy then the birth. I also love all the pictures of Mazen. He’s so adorable.
Rebecca says
That mug. And bowl. Gaaaah. Why do pretty dishes make meals 10000x more delicious?
Total dish envy over here 😉
Alex @ Raw Recovery says
Oh I love the smiley Mazen pictures!! Baby smiles are the best. Please let us know if those mugs will ever be sold online–they are so gorgeous!! I’m a big mug collector and always looking for a good one 🙂
Kayley Ray says
I do the exact same thing with the melted rim too! It’s probably the best part of the whole ice cream experience!
KathEats says
Agreed!
Hilary (Four Little Forks) says
Good for you for taking a little step back from the blog. You’ve got a lot going on right now, mama! It’s amazing you have time to blog at all. I am enjoying your posts every bit as much, and the fact that they are slightly less frequent and slightly more random make it a delicious surprise when I find there’s a new post up for me to read! 🙂
PS- mmmmmm brussels sprouts…
Jess @ JessieBear What Will You Wear says
Those pjs are simply too cute. How much pumpkin did you put in your overnight oats by the way?
KathEats says
Oh yeah, about 1/3 a cup
Johanna B says
One more vote for real-time doesn’t matter. I, too, am glad you aren’t giving up blogland for motherhood. I would miss reading your posts. It’s often the first thing I do when I get to the library. I come in a half hour early to read blogs on my time.
Katie @ running4cupcakes says
oh i just about died when i saw that pic of his onsie feet. so precious!
the 3volution of j3nn says
I think you’re making the right choice with one post a day vs. Three. You definitely don’t need the extra stress right now and Mazen needs you more than the Internet does. 🙂 besides, there are hugely successful blogs that post far less often than even once a day! It’s all about quality, not quantity. And I really like large posts!
Susan H. @ The Food Allergy Chronicles says
I look forward to your one blog a day…motherhood is a full time job. Roasted brussel sprouts are one of my favourites this time of year. Roasting dinner all in one shot is such a simple yet tasty combination…my boys always love it!
Shannon says
No worries on the new format – accept and adjust!
I had a random thought last night while doing my dishes – I wonder how Kath is doing with “home neat home” now that Mazen is around 🙂
It is nice to hear from a new mom on ways that you are adjusting your day. It is nice to know that you are still living life and seeing friends and wanting to get out!
KathEats says
You’d be surprised….or maybe not surprised 🙂 ….at how neat I’ve been able to keep it!
jen says
Yes indeed! My house was never so clean as when I had an infant who wanted to be worn and moving all day! It sometimes seemed that all I did (besides nursing & changing diapers) was clean and go for walks.
The mess came once we moved from infant to toddler 🙂
Anna says
Just wait til he can tip out a toybox (or 2!!)
Shannon says
Not surprised at all 😉
Emily @ www.main-eats.com says
Beautiful baby, beautiful food! Life is good!!!
Katie says
I actually really enjoy the 1 post a day thing. It is cool to see the whole day summed up at once. I also really like how your blog has gotten a lot more personality since your son’s birth. I have become a daily reader again! 🙂
That chicken dinner looks amazing! Those are my favorite kind of dinners.
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
That mug is beautiful! I love the leaf design on it. It’s very unique looking. 🙂
Aww..I love the later gator on Mazen’s feet! Too cute!
Sarah says
One post a day recapping the previous days makes so much sense. Everyone will adjust, and it won’t be a big deal if you skip a day here and there. Most one-post-a-day bloggers do miss a day here and there, and so far, the world hasn’t ended. 🙂
Also, someday (sooner than you think!) Maze will nap in his crib, his car seat and his stroller.
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance says
Maze is adorable in his onesie! I am jealous that it is raining by you. Weather here has managed to drop below 100 so that is huge for us, haha. Seriously, I admire how you normally post everyday. As you can relate, I am going to school to become an RD and it is impossible for me to post everyday. Did you feel that way when you were in school?
KathEats says
I posted 3x a day and have NO idea how I did it during my internship! Every minute of my day was scheduled 🙂 During school it was easier because I had more time between classes and things, but it’s always a challenge. Luckily my content is self generated!
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance says
Wow, I am just blown away that you managed to post 3x a day. I do not know how you do it, but you are an amazing woman!
Rachel says
Baby footie pajamas are the cutest. I just found out I’m having a little boy in February. I love all the little boy clothes! So many cute dinosaurs, monkeys, gators, and puppies!
KathEats says
Congrats!
Michelle (Peachy Palate) says
It’s great to have your goals in place, simple, relatively achievable and they’ll help keep you balanced 🙂 One post a day is still an incredible achievement with a new born baby, some mums find it hard to even achieve the shower part let alone cook, take amazing photos..your super woman!!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
Jackson has that same onesie! 🙂 I love it (bought it for the nephew & now it’s a hand-me-down to Jackson!)
My to-do list looks quite a bit like yours. I added ‘make almond butter’ to the list today though! 🙂 and I’m always failing in the blog department and it goes on the back burner (in another house on another stove possible in another town. HA!) . Oh well, playing with our newly smiling son is taking up all sorts of time! He’s interacting SO much now! Isn’t it fun!
…..Girl, you are on your A game getting one post up each day! I just posted Jackson’s birth story TODAY and ummmm- he’s 46 days old!!! See? You’re doing AWESOME!!!!
KathEats says
Oooo I’m excited to go read it!
Bebe says
I look forward to your one post a day . Feels like visiting with a friend over coffee & getting an update on their life everyday !
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
Those baby jammies are adorable!! And I really respect the fact that you’re adjusting your blogging schedule to your LIFE instead of living your life around your blog. Do what works for you and I think the readers that really enjoy reading will hang around (whether you’re blogging day of, 1 day past, 2 days past or a week past). 🙂
Megan @ Megan's Munchies says
Yummy eats and precious smiles!!
Kelli says
LOL! It doesn’t matter what time a day it is that I go grocery shopping, I always break into the melty ice cream when I get home. 🙂 Yum!
And…people who think you can still be blogging three times a day must not realize what it is like to have a newborn! I’m impressed with all you have been doing being a new mom. Good for you!
Su says
I really enjoy the 3x a day but this is ok too. I will read your blog either way!
Mazennnnn… <3
Elyse says
Just wanted to pop in and say that I LOVE the one post a day! They feel so substantial and I used to find myself going back to look at your breakfasts and lunches and now they’re all in one place. Also, Mazen is absolutely adorable! Those smiles …
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
Every busy moms goals for the day starts with showering! Some days it gets crossed off the list. Others, not so much! 😉
Heather Eats Almond Butter says
Kath, I usually when while feeding a babe and can’t always comment but I had to chime in on this one. I LOVE eating the melted rim before putting a new carton of ice-cream away!
PS Also love the quilt from your cousin and baby smiles. 🙂
Heather Eats Almond Butter says
*usually READ while feeding a babe. Clearly can’t comment too well on phone
Jenna says
Tell Aunt Ella I would buy one of her mugs in a heartbeat. Love, love, love it!
Life's a Bowl says
Tasty eats and beautiful mug, all are perfect for fall!
P.S. Without a baby I still don’t seem to have enough hours in the day, cannot imagine how busy you are!
JoJo says
I love the mug too! It looks nice and big, I drink lots of tea & coffee, that would be a perfect size 😀
Since school started again, I am looking for a good granola bar recipe, this looks like a good one..
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
So glad you’re doing one post a day! 3 a day with a baby seems like insanity!
Ashlee says
I was really curious how you were going to catch up to current time! I also post day-after posts and love it, although it can be tricy to remember the little details sometimes!
Cher @ Weddicted says
LOVE those mugs – I would certainly purchase a set! Are they as tall as they appear?
& Mazen’s p.j.’s are too cute – later gator? adorable!
Kelsey says
Cutest pj feet ever!
[email protected] Food Katie's Way says
I am glad to hear you are loving posting once a day…at the end of the day, you need to do what’s best for your new lifestyle! Your readers will get over not reading 3 different posts from you per day!
I am a one post per day gal myself…and if I happen to miss a day then so be it! Sometimes I get too busy living to blog about it 🙂
Ps I love that mug!
Sandy says
Bet your mom is just dying to get to see Maze in person more often! I know I always feel like I’m missing out when my d-i-l posts granddaughter pictures. I love that you have a goal of getting out somewhere everyday – very important for you and Mazen.
Emma says
I was going to say something about how hearty and yummy that chicken-veggies dinner looks, but GATOR FEET GATOR FEET stole my brain! 🙂
Just because you stated your intention to blog once a day, don’t feel like you can’t throw one up there when you find an odd extra time! ha ha.
Jenica says
OMG the later gator feet! Too cute. And if you feel you can only blog 1x/day, then go for it! It’s your life, we’re all just grateful to get to hear about it.
Kathy W. says
hey, you’ve gotta eat the melty part (even BEYOND the rim if necessary!).
I’ll miss the 3-a-day but a whole-day post is equally great. Hope when things get less hectic you’ll be able to do the occasional organizing/cleaning/decorating post, too.
(Oh, and you looked beautiful in your red dress at the wedding. Red is a really good color for you!)
Leslie says
I loved your multiple post each day and will miss them but I totally understand the need for this change. I will continue to read each day. I want to take this opportunity to say how much I enjoy visiting here each day. Thank you for all that you do to make this an enjoyable experience. I look forward to reading along as your life takes this new direction.
Xiomara says
I had to laugh out loud when I read your daily goals. You are so right! Having fun with a newborn will definitively make you forget basic necessities such as showering and eating. Enjoy that baby!
[email protected] says
Your pictures are purely inspirational. You take the most amazing pictures ever and I love them!
Angel7 says
I love the mug that Meredith’s aunt made! It is so unique!
Chetney says
Kath your dinner looks AMAZING! I love the rustic touch of rosemary on your chicken, I have got to try that sometime! You also had my two very favorite veggies, YUM! I just wanted to say that you have given me so much inspiration over the year or so I’ve been following KERF. Once you gave me advice on the Dietetics career and I’m studying to be an RD! I find out if I can get into the program in February (NERVOUS! 27 applying, 19 spots). I have an assignment due at the end of my semester about food blogging and wanted to toss some ideas your way, may I send you a personal email?
Jennie says
I like one post a day. I don’t have time to read much more than that. 🙂
Jackie says
where did you get your pasta bowls? I love them!
KathEats says
Pottery Barn
Jennifer says
Love that mug and definitely need to get my hands on one!! I love all of your bowls, plates, cups, table linens, etc–where do you find all of these great pieces?? Your food dishes always look so appetizing!
Yesenia Arrunategui says
I’ve been reading your blog now for over 3 years and I don’t mind your transition one bit! I’ve become a morning-time blog reader myself, so your post are perfect for 1/2 day recaps!
[email protected] Broken Cookies Don't Count says
That salad looks delicious. Sometimes you have to change your routine and the little one really needs your focus these days. It’s understandable you have to change.
Cait's Plate says
I don’t blame you at all for the transition – it definitely makes life a lot easier!
Those baby jammies are too adorable – especially the bottom of the feet! And I absolutely adore that coffee mug!
Sara @ sarasmiles says
Good for you for realizing that sometimes, you just can’t fit it all in! I think family/home life should come first, and if that means pairing back on the blog, so be it! I’m just impressed you still cook/make all those wonderful meals with your hands full! No matter if you 1 day behind or 5, I’ll still read!
Chantal says
I want those PJ’s in an adult size!
Isn’t that Wild Squirrel butter good?! I love that one in oats, and I really like the chocolate sunflower seed almond butter on a banana for snack time (the salty/sweet is amazing).
KathEats says
I liked it! I think you do need to like espresso though
Ana says
This is what works for you now and I will continue to read your blog no matter how many times a day you post!
As a mom I am amazed you get to post everyday, as I always say, you are a great inspiration!
That pj is too cute, love those feet! I miss the cute baby clothes… now, with a 10yo boy it is all about sports shirts and shorts 🙂
Ana