Rediscovering the 'Me' in 'Mumeeeeeee'

'I have always thought that there is no more fruitful source of family discontent than a housewife’s badly-cooked dinners and untidy ways'. (Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management, 1861)

March 29, 2010

The Delicious Mrs Hot Cross Mum: Cabin Fever

Oh, hello! Gosh, you're early! Look at the state of me - I'd have applied a little rouge and a jaunty apron if you'd given me another half an hour (flicks fringe coquettishly out of eyes). Anyway, delighted you're here. Pull up a chair - oh, not that one. It's still got a little bit of sick on it from the toddler's teatime last night. Now, that's better.

So, after our theme of 'Chaos' last time, this week in the Hot Cross Mum kitchen we're talking about 'Cabin Fever'. What better way to celebrate the onset of the Easter holidays and all the howling wind, lashing rain and snowfall which has arrived with it (laughs hysterically).

Of course, cabin fever gives us the perfect excuse to start baking. There's nothing more comforting than taking some poor quality cooking chocolate and discount brand breakfast cereals from your badly stocked cupboards and concocting 'easter nests'. The children adore getting involved and spilling everything, arguing over wooden spoons and making themselves sick on mixture (smiles to camera and takes a sip of something alcoholic).

After a busy morning sweeping up toast crumbs and changing nappies, a good hour of biscuit baking is another way to deal with cabin fever. If you can't be bothered to make actual biscuits (rolls eyes), then why not cheat? I know, very naughty of me but rolling out and cutting shapes from play doh takes up just as much time and skill. Also, you won't have any of those nerve jangling discussions later about why you just can't eat 5 biscuits before dinner and will have to wait until daddy gets home to see what the biscuits taste like.

So, here's to spending the easter break cooped up indoors in our woollen jumpers and mittens. If things get really bad, why not mix yourself a Dirty G&T (that's just a regular G&T served in a tumbler which has come out of the dishwasher slightly grittty and not at all like the sparkling, squeaky-clean glassware promised by the manufacturer).

Cheers!

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8 comments:

  1. Hi Hazel,

    Oh now I'm really looking forward to the Easter hols!! I'm thinking of throwing them all outside in their wellies and locking the door (bad mom!) I wrote a whole chapter yesterday and gave my characters the wrong names because I was interrupted so much. How inconsiderate of the schools to close for Easter. Huh!!

    Great article and one all us mums can relate to. I was only commenting yesterday how I'd love to go to a REAL party - one for grown ups - not one that consists of baloons, ice-cream and kiddie puke!

    Maria x

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  2. Oh I feel your pain, I didn't know snow was forecast and got such a shock this morning when I opened the curtains!! You are braver than I am though, if I ever do the baking thing it is with a ready mix packet, I just don't have the stamina for the full shebang!! Jen.

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  3. I solved the dilemma in one fell swoop: am leaving the country for two weeks for warmer climes.

    And before you get all narky over my comment, my mother has already take pride of place with her remarks... http://londoncitymum.blogspot.com/2010/03/and-its-holiday-at-last-and-about.html

    LCM x

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  4. Ahhh Hot Cross Mum....... well I hear ya loud and clear, I myself like a dirty irish coffee at these times, a beige colour disguises it pretty well I find, also there are great DVD deals out there at the mo Thank God!!! With this awful weather you don't want to head out anywhere.
    Me i shall be joining LCM and love her comment!!
    S

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  5. ROFL!! Hot Cross Mum you are too funny! I'm sorry you are stuck indoors, but I'm sure having a good time laughing at your misfortune. Don't hate me. I'm just twisted like that. I do hope you all get out and about again real soon. Big hugs!! XOXOX

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  6. We're in California! If it makes you feel any better, it is raining and 14 degrees. UUgghh.

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  7. That's why we have only one child. Even when I am completely drunk, I manage to look after her. But binge-drinking with 2 or more kids? Nah, not a good idea.
    Happy Easter! MM

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  8. Brilliant post! Hope you manage to get out and about a bit during the holidays, if only so you can get to the shops for more wine.

    Oh yes, and in this house we don't have the biscuit argument as certain small people have been practising your recommendation for some months when I've not been looking. Because biscuits are apparently gross, but sticky synthetic playdough is apparently the height of the gastronomic mountain. Perplexing.

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