It’s been six months since the Baby Bird arrived, and I am finally feeling like getting back to interests I was exploring B.B. (Before Baby).  The larger idea that encapsulates these interests boils down to living simply and within my means.  Now that she’s here, growing and changing so quickly, I am even more motivated to live simply, as I believe simple living connects us to feelings of happiness and satisfaction, and I also want to set a good example for my daughter.  In trying to keep my life simple, I benefit by creating more space to think; more time for my family; less clutter.

My husband is our primary cook and caregiver, and as a musician, he is able to stay home with her while I work, and then he goes and plays gigs and teaches lessons when I am off of work,  a few to sometimes six nights a week.  (Note: during weeks when he is super busy, I am definitely a little harried at the end of the day!)  On these evenings when Baby Bird and I are left to our own devices, I like to (order out!) prepare a home-cooked meal that is fresh and made from a simple, few ingredients.

Last night I accomplished a simple, delicious dinner with the following recipes:

Garlic Butter Spaghetti   #pinchofyum

and this for a side:

Baked Parmesan Zucchini  #damndelicious

I put my own ‘available ingredients’ spin on both. For the spaghetti, I added mushrooms, and my husband added some chopped chicken he had frozen to his leftovers.  For the Baked Parmesan Zucchini, I omitted the oregano because we were out.

This made a delicious meal and I enjoyed assembling the minimal ingredients.  Click the links above to try for yourself, and let me know what you think! Simple or Not so Simple?