Pity Party

Though our recent guests (Jeff's parents and our good friend Matt) were welcome distractions for a few weekends, I'm going to give it to you straight..  I am a little put out with my new friend, Norway.

Like any new friendship, we've had our roles to play.  I was the new one in town and Norway introduced me to all these exciting places, promising me that it would fill the void caused by being so far from family and friends.  We both laughed at our different versions of appropriate prices and yummy cuisine.  I justified Norway's cold climate with reasons such as "It's still winter" or "Great excuse to wear my new boots.. again!"

Here's the deal.  It's July and I still wear a sweater AND a jacket 90% of the time because it's either raining or windy while hovering around 55 degrees.  I'm seriously lacking motivation in the kitchen after loads of cooking but still refuse to order takeout because of the outrageous prices. And, speaking of outrageous prices, Jeff and I took 7 pairs of pants to the dry cleaners and walked out with a $200 bill.  $200! I've discovered my Blackberry will never live up to the standards set by my iPhone.  Friends and family?  Still really, really far away.

Phew. Glad I got that out.

It would be really easy to blame this on Norway.  But Norway hasn't lied to me or betrayed me.  Our differences have just become more apparent (this explains most of it).  This happens with friends sometimes, but sometimes the best friendships arise from these circumstances.  So, instead of wishing that Norway was like home, I'll take one day at a time and continue to be grateful for this big adventure (and make a few extra phone calls to you guys back home - I'm homesick for you more than anything!).  Jeffrey and I agree - there are just too many pluses of knowing Norway to focus on what we miss.  What's so bad about a little rain when Europe is right at our fingertips?  Or the high prices when hiking in the mountains or walking along the harbor just outside our house is free?

Pity parties? Who needs 'em!  Well, except just this one...

Cooking Up a Storm

Surprise - eating out in Stavanger is expensive.  Even Thai takeout (meals only) can total $50 for the two of us.  Even when we lived in Houston, though, I tried to cook more often than eat out since I believe it's the best way to make sure I (and my family) eat healthier.  Good thing I've always liked to cook.  I thank my mom for the skills and good old fashioned hunger for the motivation.  It's inspiration that is sometimes difficult to come by..

Enter food blogs, my "map" of choice for new recipes!  I know I'm not the first or the last person to look to food blogs for inspiration, but there's a reason why the popular ones are so... popular.  Their recipes are easy to follow, the meals are tested in their own kitchens on their own families, and the writers are funny and endearing.  If it's also healthy, well that's a good bonus.  Here are 5 meals I've made in the past few weeks from two of my favorite blogs.

The Pioneer Woman - Ree is funny. She uses butter in about everything. And she lives in Oklahoma. We are practically best friends (or, we would be if we ever met...)

Pork Chops with Pineapple Fried Rice

BBQ Comfort Meat Balls

MM Sandwich, Adorned

Perry's Plate - Natalie knows a thing or two about processed foods and how to avoid them.  She regularly incorporates fresh fruits and/or vegetables into every meal.  Eating healthy can taste great too!

Creamy Spinach and Avocado Pasta

Sweet Potato Foil Packet Tacos

Food blogs are fun to scan, but I still ask my mom for recipes all the time and help on techniques (her white gravy should win awards) as well as my sister (Thai Chicken Tacos anyone?) and friends for their tried-and-true recipes.  I love the sense of community that sharing food creates and meals bring people together, whether hours are spent in the kitchen or not. Now, who's hungry?

PS I'm also expanding into Norwegian inspired dishes - sveler and shrimp sandwiches so far, but I'll leave the lefse and kumle to the professionals...  I'm also sharing things like green bean casserole and smores with my new friends here! 

New, New, New

I recently asked Jeff if he noticed a change in us since we moved to Norway.  I think he was surprised at the level of depth our conversation was going (it was 7AM after all) and sweetly said "You're prettier". Always knows how to think on his feet, that one.

It did get me thinking, though, and I've noticed something.  We don't shy away from "new" anymore.  Don't get me wrong, we still enjoy the routine of everyday life but instead of going back to the same recipes, same entertainment, even the same grocery stores, we get excited about the challenge of something new.  This has probably come out of necessity since we run into something "new" on a daily basis - one of the many circumstances of moving to a foreign country.  I'm just glad we have come to embrace it.

So, what was new today?  Here are a few snapshots!

Homemade blueberry muffins thanks to Jeff and Betty Crocker accompanied by yummy coffee made by our French press (a little more effort for a cup of coffee but more fun AND more economical since electric coffee makers sold here cost $300+).

It was such a sunny day that we also decided to drive to the beach!  Obviously still too cold (and windy) for a typical beach day.  Or will my definition of "typical" be changing... only time will tell.  Can't beat that beautiful clear, blue sea though.

We've grown accustomed to seeing sheep farms versus cattle farms here in Norway. But nothing could prepare me for the cuteness of this little lamb. I almost hopped the fence to whisk him away..

Newest recipe - Madras Chicken Curry.  Found some curry powder at an ethnic store and thought I'd try it out.  After some internet searching, I mixed and matched some recipes and it turned out great! An added bonus: this may curb our cravings for the Tandoori Indian restaurant in the sentrum where Tikka Masala runs about $50 per plate (oh but it's gooood).

Hope you all had a great Sunday too! And for you friends in Tornado Alley, we were thinking about you this weekend and hope you are all safe.