Deep breaths

My life has suddenly gone from calm to chaotic. It happened sometime this weekend, in between the can't-find-shoes-for-wedding crisis and the realization that we are quickly running out of time to refine those last-minute wedding details.

The days are flying by, and my nights are endless because I am not sleeping. The combo is making me cranky and so tired, that I often find myself nodding off around 3 p.m. each day. I need a nap, but can't find the minutes to squeeze one in.

By this point, I would probably be eating everything in sight. I'm not. And it's not because I want to fit into my dress. I just don't have the desire to overeat. What a feeling!

Recipe time

The following spice mix was featured on a CBS Morning Show segment a few weeks ago. I wish I could credit the chef, but unfortunately I pulled the recipe and did not include his name. I mixed up a batch that night, and have been using it to flavor all manner of fish and poultry the past few weeks. It's flavorful and spicy enough to give food a bit of a kick. Of course, if you want it hotter, increase the cayenne.

I love this spice mix so much I wrote the ingredients on the lid of a container, which will never be empty. It's become my go-to spice. And now, it's belongs to you, too.

SPICE MIX
1/2 cup Spanish paprika
1/4 cup ground cinnamon
2 Tblsp. ground cumin
2 Tblsp. ground ginger
1 1/2 Tblsp. ground cardamom
1 1/2 Tblsp. ground coriander
1 1/2 Tblsp. garlic powder
1 Tblsp. tumeric
3 tsp. cayenne
1 tsp. ground cloves

• Mix all spices together well with a whisk. Store in an airtight container.