Science Proves Women Are Superior To Men. Sorry, guys, but the facts are in—women win, and single mothers are the Olympians of us all.
Dear Single Mama,
I see you, and I know how hard you work. I see you doing everything, literally everything, with all your heart and all your will. Nursing all night or warming up bottles, doing each diaper change, outfit swap, kitchen cleaning, toilet scrubbing, meal prepping and cooking, lunch box packing, dog walking, and everything else that must be done.
I see you doing every preschool drop-off and pick-up, getting your little one to and from activities, playdates, chaperoning field trips when you can, or leading carpools to and from soccer, dance, football, karate, and swimming.
I see you helping with homework after a long day at work when you’re exhausted but still hands-on being your little one’s number one tutor and fan.
I see you having to call out sick from work one too many times to stay home with a sick baby or toddler because it’s just you at home. I see you trying to balance it all, and you are doing an incredible, amazing job.
Because whether you’ve been a single mom from the start of your pregnancy, or you experienced the loss of your significant other or went through a divorce or an intense custody battle, or got walked out on, left to fend for yourself and your cub, you are a mother and a great one.
I know some days are SO hard and exhausting, and they seem never to end or go by too fast. But your kids are fed and kind and smart and talented. And so are you.
Whatever you’ve been through that got you on this road called “single parent” avenue, you are navigating it with grace, courage, and strength.
So, single mama, please know you are loved, cherished, and appreciated. Whether through the eyes of your friends, family, or little ones, we see how incredible you are, even when you don’t see it in yourself.
And I know this for a fact, because I was a single mama, too.
Love, Xandy
Creamy Cauliflower & Leek Soup
INGREDIENTS
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 medium leeks, white and very light green parts, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 head cauliflower (outer leaves and stems removed) chopped
- 3 - 3 ½ cups good chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 3-4 ounces Crème Fraîche (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
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Slice leeks, reserving only the white and light green parts (not the dark green leaves or the roots if still attached). Add to a small water bowl and agitate with your fingers to loosen any dirt. Drain and rinse.
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Heat butter over medium heat in a large pot and add leeks and celery. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
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Add garlic, salt, black pepper, and white pepper; cook another 2 minutes.
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Add stock, cauliflower florets, and bay leaves. Reduce heat to low, cover, and allow to cook until the cauliflower is soft enough to mash (about 20-22 minutes). Remove and discard bay leaves. *Don't worry if the liquid isn't completely covering the cauliflower.
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Carefully transfer soup contents to a blender and puree for at least 2 minutes or longer if necessary. You could also do this with a good immersion blender. If soup is too thick, add more stock and blend.
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Once the liquid is well-blended, return to the soup pot. Turn off the heat and stir in the Crème Fraîche. Taste and add more salt and pepper, if needed. I like to garnish with homemade parmesan croutons and chopped celery leaves. Serves 2-4 depending on bowl size.
