My dairy/soy-free eating has not been too painful to date, until last night. Desperate to satisfy the cheesy needs of myself and my 3 year-old, I made this mac-n-cheese recipe. I learned that while dairy substitutes are great in moderation – a little almond milk for pancakes, or some fake cheese to top a pizza – when you dump them all into one recipe, it tastes like glue.

I really wanted to like it. The first bite I thought I did. But by bite three it almost came back up. I withheld my disgust from my daughter in the hope that she might enjoy it, but it was soon clear that she was also unimpressed. So we both ate cereal instead.

I won’t give up on the dairy-free Daiya shreds yet, but I need to find a less cheesy creation for next time.

I like to think I’ve got a smidge of creativity in me, but I am not a very crafty person. But my 3 year-old loves to do craft projects, and is always asking me to help (the nerve!). She gets tired of doing the same old thing, so last week in a ”Mommy I’m bored!” moment I suggested we make paper dolls. I cut the doll and clothes while she colored them in.

Admittedly not the most artistic project, but hey – it kept her busy for a bit. Until she drew the nose and then went ape-sh*t because she didn’t like how it turned out.

I attempted to make this a learning moment about how there are different types of noses and bodies, and all are beautiful. She wasn’t buying it.

After that episode I began to research craft blogs by mothers far more creative than I for ideas. Boy did that make my paperdolls look even more lame. This blog has amazingly cute and stylish ideas by a mother of four, which begs the question – where does she buy her cocaine? I cannot fathom finding the time and energy for such creativity, but I like to look at it.

I made a meatloaf! And so my domestic transformation continues. These things are actually pretty easy to make. Who knew. And a no brainer for a 3 year-old who loves ketchup.

I wouldn’t say it was delicious, but it was decent. Next time I’ll try another recipe. This is the one I used.