Okay, as many of you know, I have been working my fanny off (I wish that this was a literal statement) working out with a trainer at Fitness Together. Things were great at first...I was pumped about working out and was doing cardio five or more days each week. Unfortunately, about eight weeks into my schedule, I have lost my gusto. Now don't get me wrong, this has nothing to do with my trainer. He is wonderful...keeps me motivated...always has a new workout planned. For some reason, I started getting down on myself because I was not seeing the results that I had expected.
We all watch shows like "The Biggest Loser" where contestants lose 50+ pounds in three months. I guess that something in me was hoping that I would have fantastic results like that. I can't complain too much because I have dropped two sizes in my jeans, but the scale has yet to budge. I have even gained three pounds since I started working out...what the $#*@! Hopefully, I will find it in me to keep pushing myself and start getting excited about working out again. Maybe, once the holidays have passed, I will have a renewed outlook. Until then, I'm stuck in a rut and so is my gut...
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Stuck In a Rut...And So Is My Gut
Monday, December 10, 2007
Favorite Recipe: Holiday Dinner
Thought I would share the menu from the Christmas party that we hosted at out house for the Husby's colleagues. Everything went off without a hitch, and the menu was simple, casual, delicious, and painless for the cook. I prepared all of the items the day before and put them in the refrigerator to bake the day of the party. If you choose to go this route, be sure to bring the food to room temperature before baking (after about an hour out of the refrigerator, they should be good to go). In order to bake everything at once, I adjusted the oven temperature to 350 degrees and increased the bake time for those items that needed to cook at a higher temperature. This menu will serve up to 12 people. Enjoy!
Holiday Dinner Menu:
Sunset Punch
Apple and Pomegranate Cider
Spiced Pecans
Spinach, Artichoke & Bacon Dip with Crusty French Bread
Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing
Corn Casserole
Creamy Green Bean Casserole
Smashed Red Potatoes
Booze Meat
Bourbon Pecan Tart with Chocolate Drizzle
Sunset Punch
Ingredients:
2 cups pineapple juice
2 cups cranberry juice cocktail
1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4 large limes)
9 lime slices
1 (11.5-ounce) can apricot nectar
24 ounces champagne
Directions:
1) Combine first five ingredients in a large pitcher. Cover and chill.
2) Add champagne immediately before serving.
Apple and Pomegranate Cider
Ingredients:
6 whole cloves
2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
1 (3-inch) strip lemon rind
1 (3-inch) strip orange rind
8 cups unfiltered apple cider
1 cup pomegranate juice
3/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Directions:
1) Place first 4 ingredients on a double layer of cheesecloth. Gather edges of cheesecloth together; tie securely.
2) Combine cheesecloth bag, cider, and remaining ingredients in a Dutch oven; bring to a simmer. Cook 30 minutes. Discard cheesecloth bag.
Spiced Pecans
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pound pecan halves
Cooking spray
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 325°. Combine all ingredients except cooking spray in a large bowl, tossing well to coat.
2) Spread mixture evenly on a jelly-roll pan coated with cooking spray. Coat nuts with cooking spray.
3) Bake at 325° for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Remove from oven; cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
Spinach, Artichoke & Bacon Dip with Crusty French Bread
Ingredients:
2 (8-ounce) French bread baguettes, each cut into 32 (1/4-inch) slices
Olive oil-flavored cooking spray
1/3 cup fat-free mayonnaise
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (8-ounce) package 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
1 (8-ounce) package fat-free cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup (about 2 1/2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese, divided
5 center-cut bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
1 (14-ounce) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained, and squeezed dry
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350°. Arrange baguette slices in a single layer on 2 large baking sheets, and coat bread with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes or until crisp and lightly browned.
2) Place mayonnaise, garlic, 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, and fat-free cream cheese in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended and creamy.
3) Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, bacon, artichoke hearts, and spinach.
4) Spread mixture into an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.
5) Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Serve with toasted baguette slices.
Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing
Ingredients:
1 bag spinach salad
2 hard boiled eggs, sliced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup bacon pieces
1 bottle bacon dressing
Directions:
1) Place spinach salad in a large bowl and top with egg slices, mushrooms, and bacon pieces.
2) Heat bacon dressing in the microwave for 1 minute and serve over salad.
Corn Casserole
Ingredients:
1 (15 1/4-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (14 3/4-ounce) can cream-style corn
1 (8-ounce) package Jiffy corn muffin mix
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, stir together the 2 cans of corn, corn muffin mix, sour cream, and melted butter.
2) Pour into a greased 9 by 13-inch casserole dish. Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown. 3) Remove from oven and top with Cheddar. Return to oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Let stand for at least 5 minutes and then serve warm.
Creamy Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients:
2 cans drained French cut green beans
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 teaspoons grated onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup sour cream
1 cup crushed corn flakes
Cooking spray
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine first nine ingredients and mix until well combined.
2) Spread mixture into a glass baking dish and top with corn flakes. Spray corn flakes with cooking spray.
3) Bake in pre-heated oven for 20 minutes.
Smashed Red Potatoes
Ingredients:
13 cups cubed red potato (about 4 pounds)
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup low-fat buttermilk
3 tablespoons butter, softened
3/4 teaspoon salt object
3/4 teaspoon dried basil
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried dill
Directions:
1) Place potatoes in a Dutch oven; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until tender; drain.
2) Place potatoes in a large bowl. Add sour cream and remaining ingredients; mash with a potato masher to desired consistency.
Booze Meat
Ingredients:
3 cups red wine
3/4 cup soy sauce
3/4 cup ketchup
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
2 teaspoons onion salt
2 teaspoons garlic salt
3 flank steaks
Directions:
1) Combine first seven ingredients, red wine through garlic salt, and stir well with a whisk.
2) Run a serrated knife over the outside of flank steaks to make shallow cuts in the surface of meat. Place steaks in a shallow glass dish.
3) Pour marinade mixture over steaks, cover, and refrigerate for 24-48 hours.
4) Preheat grill and cook steaks until meat is at medium temperature. Slice flank steaks into thin slices.
Bourbon Pecan Tart with Chocolate Drizzle
Ingredients:
1 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup dark corn syrup
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons bourbon
2 tablespoons molasses
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 large egg white
2/3 cup pecan halves
1/2 (15-ounce) package refrigerated pie dough (such as Pillsbury)
Cooking spray
1/2 ounce bittersweet chocolate, chopped
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2) Combine first 10 ingredients, stirring well with a whisk. Stir in pecans.
3) Roll dough into a 13-inch circle; fit into a 9-inch removable-bottom tart pan coated with cooking spray. Trim excess crust using a sharp knife.
4) Spoon sugar mixture into prepared crust. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until center is set. Cool completely on a wire rack.
5) Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave at HIGH 1 minute. Stir until smooth. Drizzle chocolate over tart.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Favorite Recipe: Creamy Chicken Casserole
This may be one of the easiest recipes ever...and one of the yummiest! I can assure you that the kiddos and the husbys will love it and ask for it by name. To save time, I drop two frozen bone-in chicken breasts with rib meat in the crock pot with a can of chicken broth in the morning and cook them on high for 6 hours. Then, I pull off all of the meat and shred it between two forks...tres simple! Enjoy!
Creamy Chicken Casserole
Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
1 can cream of chicken soup
3/4 cup sour cream
1 cup corn flakes, crushed
Pam cooking spray, butter flavored
white rice, cooked (4 servings)
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream and mix well.
2) Spread mixture into a small glass baking dish that has been coated with cooking spray.
3) Layer crushed corn flakes on top of chicken mixture and spray top of corn flakes with butter-flavored cooking spray.
4) Bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Serve casserole over white rice.
Santa & StickyBun-Scotti
The Great Nanny Search
The hunt is on...for a full-time nanny. I am having the hardest time in my search for the right nanny. There are so many things that I want for my kids, and it is hard to relinquish the reins and trust someone else to meet their needs. I have been sitting in front of the computer for over 4 hours this morning just pouring through profile after profile of available nannies in our area. I feel like everyone is either too young, too old, lives too far away, can't spell (don't get me started...if you say, "I like caring for childerns of varius kines," you are not getting the job), can barely speak English, have too many personal obligations, or want to bring all three of their kids to my home while they care for both of mine (not a chance).
Can't I just find some nice, normal female that loves kids as much as I do? Something just scares me about leaving my kids with someone that doesn't have references that I know (not that this is any different than leaving my child at a daycare). I just wish that I knew somebody that knew somebody...that was everything that I am looking for in a nanny. Another mom would be a nice fit...I don't mind if one child comes with them...just not three. Oh well, hopefully, the clouds will part soon...
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Favorite Recipe: Parmesan & Lemon Red Potatoes
This recipe couldn't be easier! It serves well with fish, poultry, and beef, and the kids will love it just as much as you do. The combination of cheese, lemon, and butter can never make a bad dish! This recipe yields 6 servings. Enjoy!
Parmesan & Lemon Red Potatoes
Ingredients:
2 pounds red potatoes, quartered
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2) Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and toss well to coat. Spread mixture evenly into a glass baking dish.
3) Bake, covered, in preheated oven for 50 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes or until golden brown.
I'm Still Not Laughing
Yesterday was one of those days...you know the kind of day I'm talking about. It just seemed like there were a million things to do in a very small time window. By the early evening, we had reached meltdown status...the kids AND me.
The Husby needed to stay at work late, so around seven o' clock I was multi-tasking (cooking dinner, cleaning the bedroom, folding laundry, sewing our Christmas stockings, and trying to entertain the kiddos)...just call me "Martha." As part of the bedroom cleaning, I needed to empty the Diaper Dekor. For those of you that are not familiar, this is the same thing as a Diaper Genie, diaper pail, etc. Ours can hold about five days worth of diapers from two kids. The trick to emptying one of these is to do it as quickly as possible because it smells...really, really bad.
After tying off the old bag, I went running to the back to door to take it to the trash can at the alley. Just as I was opening the back door, I heard StickyBun-Scotti fall on the wood floor in the living room and start screaming, so I dropped the bag right outside of the back door and ran to get him. After a few minutes of consoling him, he was okay, so I went back to finish what I had started. At that moment, I remembered that we needed milk, so I started to call the Husby to tell him to swing by the store on the way home. Just as the Husby answered the phone at his office, I stepped out the back door and saw something that I never want to see again. As the Husby said, "Hello," I said, "I am going to KILL one of our dogs!"
Across our entire yard, as far as I could see, were shredded baby diapers...and baby shit...and dirty wipes...EVERYWHERE!!! I screamed...I cursed...my Husby laughed...but I wasn't laughing. Instead, as the children screamed and dinner burned, I stood outside in 34 degree weather shoveling a week's worth of baby diapers and wipes and poo into a trash bag.
The Husby is still laughing, but I have yet to find the humor...
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Is Dark A Do?
I am seriously debating a return to my roots...no pun intended. It has been almost a year since I last colored my hair, which explains this medium brown/blonde highlight/dark brown smorgasboard that I have been sporting for several months now. My hair is very dark naturally, so I always feel like I look pastey white and that I have no eyebrows or eyelashes when my hair is dark. I am thinking of a dark brown with a little bit of red in it...any advice?
Friday, November 30, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Elf Yourself Greetings
Thought we would welcome the holidays with a little song and dance courtesy of The Fred and StickyBun-Scotti in all of their elfin glory...could they be any cuter?
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9628581408
WARNING: This website has been on overload with all of the hits that it has been getting...therefore, this video can take up to five minutes to load. Even if the page looks as if it is frozen, it is just taking a long time to load. I promise that it is well worth the wait!
Monday, November 26, 2007
Call It What You Will
As most of you know, I live in a house that was built in 1929, so there are enough "fixer-upper" projects to last us a lifetime...or at least another 78 years. Since we have moved into our home, we have had project..after project...after project. Although, there is a great deal of dispute between my Husby and me about what is considered a "project" and what should be considered "maintenance." The way I look at it, it's all a project. Now don't get me wrong, I am all for making reasonable improvements to our home, but there are some disadvantages to "weekend project time"...let me give you a list to explain...
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Should We Give Them Some Privacy?
The other night, our Great Unk came over to take us out to a family dinner. While playing with The Fred and one of her puzzles, he came across a very interesting puzzle piece that I had never noticed before. Looks as if these mice are having a bit of a frolic on the front of the puzzle piece. Seriously, who came up with this child-appropriate pose for these mice? Maybe I should send this one in to Leno...it might be the latest Chinese toy recall...
It's A Good Thing Too...
Top Five Things I Love...Right Now...
1) Soda Club Penguin...because fizzy water tastes so much better!
2) Tazo Chai Latte Spiced Black Tea Concentrate...because Starbucks is so yummy but so expensive!
3) Gal Pal Retro Ice Bag...could there be a more stylish way to get rid of a migraine?
4) Old Navy Sweetheart Jeans...because they don't show crack!
5) Asics Gel Nimbus 9...because the right running shoe makes all the difference!
Saturday, November 17, 2007
The Fred & Punkin' at the Zoo
The Fred and Punkin' Hangin' Out Together at the Zoo
http://inthebowl.blogspot.com/2007/11/haiku-friday_16.html
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
The Fred's First Love
I would like to introduce The Fred's new boyfriend...courtesy of his mom, BlueMomma! This might be the cutest video ever!
http://inthebowl.blogspot.com/2007/11/young-love.html
Santa Has To Be A Blogger...
I really think he must be...what else would he be doing every other day of the year? How else would he know our secret wants and desires? The answer: He must be blogging.
As a child, do you remember writing your letter to Santa? Nothing was too big or too crazy to put on your list, and you could only hope that you had been a good enough boy or girl that Santa would at least be willing to give you a few of the items that you asked for in your letter. For old time's sake, I decided to write a letter to Santa this year with my Christmas list attached...the only difference from my childhood is that this list is itemized, categorized, includes lists for my husband and children, and of course, includes the much needed web address for all of the items.
Now don't take this list too literally...I decided to do a little bit of research on some of the top picks (all lead paint-free) this Christmas for adults and children, and this helped to form the lists for each individual. Of course, some items were asked for specifically, but most importantly, I wanted to help out with some of the legwork for those that are trying to come up with ideas for their letter to Santa...
Dear Santa,
I am writing you this letter on behalf of my family. We have been pretty good this year...of course, we have a new addition to the family. There has been very little bickering, minimal hitting, and only a few temper tantrums...and the kids have been good too! Attached are our Christmas lists, you will find web addresses for each of our items...just in case they are not in inventory at the North Pole. Please feel free to substitute for similar items. Thank you for your consideration, and Merry Christmas!
Sincerely,
MommaDrool
StickyBun-Scotti
1) Peek-A-Boo Bear- http://www.etoys.com/genProduct.html/PID/4773999/ctid/17?cpncode=12-30455646-2&srccode=cii_5217346
2) Radio Flyer Rock and Bounce Pony- http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=sc_pgc_r_11_0_1041628/602-5605823-1891866?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&asin=B0007YDCKE
3) Bosch Toy Construction Worker Set- http://www.target.com/Bosch-Toy-Construction-Worker-Set/dp/B000AMSCBM/sr=1-1/qid=1194755615/ref=sr_1_1/602-5605823-1891866?ie=UTF8&index=target&rh=k%3Abosch&page=1
4) I Am The Boss Ball Pit- http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000PUCBMA/103-5341669-8541441?SubscriptionId=05FBHPX3SD1BJ97P9PR2
5) Playskool Tonka Scoot ‘n’ Scoop- http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/602-5605823-1891866?asin=B000OV7A6C&AFID=Gifts.com&LNM=B000OV7A6CTonka_Scoot_N_Scoop_3in1_Ride&ref=tgt_adv_XPND0030
6) Fisher Price Sit to Stand Giraffe- http://www.etoys.com/genProduct.html/PID/4754027/ctid/17?cpncode=07-35695083-2&srccode=cii_5217346
7) Amazing Animals Sing & Go Choo-Choo- http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/602-5605823-1891866?asin=B000EULXA2&AFID=Gifts.com&LNM=B000EULXA2FisherPrice_Amazing_Animals_Sing__Go_ChooChoo&ref=tgt_adv_XPND0030
8) Haba Casalino- http://www.oompa.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=HA0965&source=gifts&kw=feed
9) Baby Soy Clothes- http://www.babysoyusa.com/
10) Carter’s Infant Sleepers- http://www2.jcpenney.com/jcp/x5.aspx?catid=55434&deptid=42249&cmAMS_T=X3&cmAMS_C=C7&CmCatId=4224955129
The Fred
1) Fisher Price All-In-One Rainforest Playset- http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=370468&pCatg=10361
2) Barbie Electronic Purse Set- http://www.target.com/Barbie-Electronic-Purse-Set/dp/B00008YGBA/qid=1194755172/ref=br_1_5/602-5605823-1891866?ie=UTF8&node=377746011&frombrowse=1&rh=&page=1
3) Fisher Price Backyardigans Bobblin’ Big Top- http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=sc_pgc_r_12_2_1038698/602-5605823-1891866?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&asin=B000NW11XK
4) Jump Start Trampoline- http://www.etoys.com/genProduct.html/PID/4036539/ctid/17?cpncode=08-35590404-2&srccode=cii_5217346
5) Small World Gourmet Kitchen Set- http://www.target.com/Small-World-Gourmet-Kitchen-Set/dp/B00004W157/qid=1194756592/ref=br_1_5/602-5605823-1891866?ie=UTF8&node=270163011&frombrowse=1&index=tgt-mf-mv&field-browse=270163011&rank=pmrank&rh=&page=5
6) Disney Dress Up Trunk- http://www.kbtoys.com/genProduct.html/PID/2340439/ctid/17
7) Monster Tunnel- http://www.hearthsong.com/hearthsong/product.do?section_id=0&bc=1005&pgc=1829&country=0&occ=1005&cm_mmc=merc_datafeed-_-product-_-1829&mr:referralID=dbdc2c15-650c-483f-8f04-8c388c1afb5e&mr:trackingCode=NA
8) Photokinz Monty the Monkey- http://www.kbtoys.com/genProduct.html/PID/4770483/ctid/17
9) Crayola Beginnings Creativity Set- http://www.etoys.com/genProduct.html/PID/4764676/ctid/17?cpncode=09-44518429-2&srccode=cii_5217346
10) New Balance Kids KJ608PKP- http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/31692615/c/7339.html
MommaDrool
1) Lumen Shadow Oil Lamp of Bird’s Nest- http://www.uncommongoods.com/item/item.jsp?source=family&itemId=15567
2) Personalized Photo Mouse Pad- http://www2.snapfish.com/revieworderstore/prd=Mousepad/prdtype=Photogift;PHOTOTHIS(Mousepad);9.125x8.25/t_=20787574
3) Haircut, Foil, Manicure, & Pedicure
4) Old Navy Sweetheart Jeans- http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/product.do?cid=5468&pid=393784&scid=393784002
5) Philosophy Makeup Optional Gift Set- http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P82300&categoryId=C10462
6) Bare Escentuals Mood Lips Lip Palette & iQuad- http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P149219&categoryId=C16514&shouldPaginate=true http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P166101&categoryId=C16514&shouldPaginate=true
7) Gift Certificate to Fitness Together- http://www.ftalabama.com/
8) Athletic Activewear- http://www.target.com/b/ref=sc_fe_l_1_12913861_7/602-5605823-1891866?ie=UTF8&node=13035951
9) iPod nano- http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore?node=home/ipod/ipod_nano&aosid=p203&cid=AOSA10000063281&srccode=cii_5217346&cpncode=12-30628831-2
10) Green Dell Inspiron 1420 Notebook- http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/inspnnb_1420?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~tab=bundlestab
The Husby
1) Digital Photo Frame- http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?DeptID=42644&CatID=42644&Grptyp=PRD&ItemId=12965a1&siteID=210052734
2) Chimney Pot- http://www.chimneypot.com/
3) DC Screen Tees- http://www2.dcshoes.com/dcstore/dept.asp?dept%5Fid=2050&mscssid=XE2TK4P28QT89NXPM3W5ABR7VBDG6SC3
4) BB Security Screen Tees- http://www.bigblacksecurity.com/Search.aspx?l=00010002000000000000
5) Etnies & CBGB Screen Tees- http://www.skatewarehouse.com/TSETNIES.html
http://www.bewild.com/cbgbsclothing.html
6) Polo Button Down Shirts- http://www.ralphlauren.com/family/index.jsp?view=all&ab=viewall&cp=1760781&categoryId=2498319
7) Old Navy Loose Fit Cords- http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/product.do?cid=15320&pid=501593&scid=501593022
8) Fog-Free Shower Shaving Mirror- http://www.frontgate.com/jump.jsp?itemType=PRODUCT&itemID=129&k=ZZ50923
9) Santa Fe Day Spa Couples Massage- http://www.santafedayspa.net/Spa_Services_massage.htm
10) Button Down Pajama Sets- http://www.target.com/Merona-Woven-Pajama-Set-Plaid/dp/B000UHLPA2/qid=1194984388/ref=br_1_3/602-5605823-1891866?ie=UTF8&node=13606751&frombrowse=1&index=tgt-mf-mv&field-browse=13606751&rank=%2Bdaterank&rh=&page=2
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Favorite Recipe: Tom Kha Gai
This is something that I CRAVE...on a regular basis. You may have seen it on the menu at your favorite Thai restaurant. It has taken me a long time to perfect this recipe, but after tonight, I believe that I may have achieved Tom Kha Gai perfection. This recipe can be made with or without meat. I prefer shrimp, but the traditional recipe calls for shredded or sliced chicken breasts. Enjoy!
Tom Kha Gai
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons olive oil
4 drops sesame oil (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons ginger, grated
1/4 cup lemongrass, minced
1 tablespoon cilantro
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
1 sliced chicken breast or 1 cup of raw shrimp
1 cup bok choy
1 cup broccoli florets
1 onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup bamboo shoots
1/2 cup bean sprouts
1 cup straw or button mushrooms
1 cup cut baby corn
2 cans (10 ounce) coconut milk
1/4 cup fish sauce (find it on the ethnic food aisle)
Directions:
1) In a large saucepan, heat olive oil and sesame oil over medium heat. Stir in garlic, ginger, lemongrass, cilantro, and red pepper and cook until fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.
2) Stir in shrimp (or chicken), broccoli, onion, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, mushrooms, and baby corn. Cook, stirring occasionally, until meat is cooked through and onion is translucent.
3) Stir in bok choy and cook until it begins to wilt, approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
4) Add coconut milk and fish sauce to vegetable mixture and stir well. Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes until flavors are well blended. Enjoy!
Fourth Release by The MommaDrool Mafia
Since beginning our adventures in potty-training, I have developed a strong disdain for public bathrooms. I am starting to wonder if the real purpose of these large purses that are so chic these days are for carrying around large bottles of Lysol for just such a scenario. One of my favorite songs right now is Apologize by Timbaland & One Republic...if you are not familiar with the song, you can listen to it on my MySpace page: www.myspace.com/mommadrool. I decided to change the lyrics of this song to reflect my deep affection for potty-training in public restrooms. This fourth release by The MommaDrool Mafia is called Sanitize...
Sanitize
by The MommaDrool Mafia
I'm holding onto your hand,
Cause you want to touch the ground
You try to run away, just the time I turn around
We’re in a public bathroom
Please don’t try to touch the ground, but wait
You tell me that you touched it
Didn't think I'd turn around, and say...
That it's too late to sanitize, it's too late
I said it's too late to sanitize, it's too late
You’d sit on the seat, touch the floor
If it wasn’t for me,
And I need you just to listen this once
This is nothing new - yeah
I told you that was really gross-
Now you’re laughing too, and you say...
I'm sorry that I touched it
I didn’t want to listen to you
But I said...
It's too late to sanitize, it's too late
I said it's too late to sanitize, it's too late...
It's too late to sanitize, it's too late
I said it's too late to sanitize, it's too late
I said it's too late to sanitize, yeah-
I said it's too late to sanitize, yeah-
I'm holding onto your hand cause you want to touch the ground...
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
On My Top Ten List
One of the top ten things that I absolutely despise having to do is taking the kids to the doctor. It doesn't matter if it is a "sick" or "well" visit...I dread it...always. Today was one of those days, where both of the kids needed a trip to the doc. StickyBun-Scotti was not feeling well, and The Fred needed her flu shot.
So here it goes...Room #8 on the Blue Line...could these rooms be any smaller? I swear, every time the rooms seem smaller, or maybe, I just have more children. Whatever the case, The Fred never wants to be still and StickyBun-Scotti wants me to wrangle and entertain him the entire time. It never fails, by the time the doctor sees us, I have broken out in a full sweat due to my efforts to keep them content and contained.
One child down, one to go...it is time for The Fred's flu shot. As soon as I pull down her pants, she has figured out her impending doom. Is it possible for a two-year-old to be so strong? Luckily, the nurse gives her the flu shot faster than I can blink. A few Dora stickers later and the crying stops.
What ever happened to house calls? Does anyone do that any more? Or maybe, someone should come up with a drive-in service...you pull your car in (just like getting your oil changed), they open the door and pull your kid out, examine them while you answer all of the necessary questions, put them back when they are done, give you their diagnosis, you pay, and then, you are on your way. Of course, they would immediately e-mail any necessary prescriptions to your selected pharmacy for pick-up on your way home. I know, if only it was a perfect world!
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Please tell me that's not what I think it is...
The Husby has been a really great sport about taking on the chore of giving the kids a bath at night. This frees me up to clean the kitchen after dinner and prepare the necessary bottles and clothes for bedtime.
Well, last night, while bathing the kids, I hear the Husby yell from the bathroom, "Baby, come here...quick!" All that I can think is that one of my children is hurt, so I drop the broom and take off in a mad dash for the bathroom. As I round the corner, I see The Husby standing in front of the tub, holding StickyBun-Scotti in a towel, with a look of disgust on his face. When I ask him what's wrong, he simply replies, "Please tell me that's not what I think it is..."
As I enter the bathroom, I notice that The Fred is still sitting in the tub...she looks fine, but wait...what is that in the tub with her? Upon further inspection, I realize that their are several small little brown "things" in the tub. I look at The Fred and ask, "What is that?" The Fred replies, "It's mine!" Simultaneously, she reaches underwater, grabs a brown "thing," and pops it into her mouth. All I can say is, "AAAAAAHHHH!"
I grab The Fred and yank her out of the tub while The Husby just stands there with his mouth gaping. As I peer down into the water in horror, I notice the empty raisin box laying beside the tub. Aye-yie-yie!
Monday, November 5, 2007
Alias Evolution: StickyBun-Scotti
As most of you know, I refer to my children by aliases that are reflective of their personalities, interests, or just some really random sh*t that popped into my head one day. When I gave SweetBoy his alias, he was still in what I refer to as the "blob stage"...when your child is still so small that they have as much personality as...well...a little blob.
As SweetBoy has gotten older, he has developed his love for food. Especially, his desire for all things sweet and sticky. While waiting in line at a local coffee shop, I noticed that they sold Biscotti in various flavors...including, Sticky Bun. Once the Husby and I had gotten our coffee, it occurred to me that I had just found SweetBoy's new alias, "StickyBun-Scotti!" Only a name this creative could rival something as poetic as "The Fred." So, SweetBoy's alias has officially evolved into a name that truly recognizes his...um...talents...for all things sticky and sweet.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Disney On Ice: Finding Nemo
We decided to fore go the traditional trick-or-treating routine last night in order to attend Disney On Ice- Finding Nemo...and I loved it! Well, I guess that it isn't really important as to whether or not I loved it, but The Fred loved it too! She sat in a trance for the entire almost 2-hour performance. The highlight of the evening was when she shouted, "Hey, Dorey!," and the performer waved at her. It made the evening just perfect.
When the show was over, The Fred kept saying, "That was awesome! That was so cool! I love Nemo!" Yay, a success! As for SweetBoy, he was less than interested in the performance, but luckily, MommaDrool had stashed some graham cracker sticks and a lollipop in the diaper bag for just such a situation...good thinking, huh?
Please Assign Mine At Birth...
Just a thought...what if we were all assigned a phone number at birth? Of course, this would be much like our Social Security Number, but much less important. Over the last ten years, my cell phone number has probably changed at least 8 times. The problem with this is that I can never remember my phone number, let alone anyone else's. I think that my brain must have reached its 1GB capacity reserved for phone numbers...
This thought came to me yesterday when I realized that one of my friend's cell phone numbers has not changed in, well, at least ten years, and I don't think that I will ever forget her number...XXX-XXX-2036. What is funny is that several people will read this and know exactly whom I am referring to in this post.
So, what if we just assigned each person a number at birth that we could always call to reach them? That way, I have a lifetime to get my number and yours right in my head...once again, just a thought.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Halloween Hullabaloo
We have been busy little bats with all of the Halloween festivities that we have enjoyed over the past few days! Last Saturday, we enjoyed an evening at "Boo at the Zoo"...animals, costumes, and LOTS of candy! Both kids were tuckered out by the time we got home, but this was only the beginning of our Halloween fun...
Today, we had our Halloween Spooktacular Party at Ross Bridge with all of our friends from the MOMS League. All of the kids wore their costumes and enjoyed games, crafts, and lots of yummy treats! The party was a huge success with over 85 guests in attendance...it was also a success because the kiddos took a 3-hour nap this afternoon!
Our Halloween festivities will come to an end Wednesday night...instead of the traditional trick-or-treating, we are going to see Disney on Ice- Finding Nemo. I can't wait...I think that I am more excited than kids! We will all be ready to take it easy this weekend after all of our Halloween Hullabaloo!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
The Great Pumpkin Patch
We went with all of our pals to The Great Pumpkin Patch last week, and it was a blast...well, everything except trying to carry a large pumpkin and a large infant across a pumpkin patch while coaxing the older one to follow along.
Newest Addition to the Family
Please help me in welcoming the newest addition to our family...Elvis...my new baby. The Husby hopes that I will get over my desire to have another baby, if I can focus my attention on something else. And yes, for those of you that are wondering, that does make a total of three dogs now. It's just like children though...once you have one, what's one more?
I Have Been a Bad Blogger...
This might sound like a trip to confessional, but I have been a bad blogger...it has been 11 days since my last post. Things have just been hectic here lately, and I have replaced my normal blogging time with exercise. With the daily workouts and the everyday strains of child-rearing, I have gotten way behind on my blogging. I promise to get things caught up...definitely...maybe.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
War Eagle!
I had to share my latest pics of The Fred and SweetBoy in their new Auburn gear! Even if you don't like the colors, you have to admit that these are some cute pics. Unfortunately, it was nap time for The Fred, so she was not a willing participant. It was SweetBoy's nine-month birthday on the day of the pics, so I guess that I am one step closer to professional pics. I have committed to making an appointment to have some taken this month...until then, enjoy our little War Eagle babies!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Fitness Together
For my birthday/anniversary present, I begged the Husby to let me give Fitness Together a try...luckily, it wasn't too hard to persuade him, so he told me I could try it out for 5 weeks.
I was really nervous on Monday when I went in for my first appointment. I met my trainer, John, and after a few minutes of discussing my health history and my goals, we jumped right into a weight routine to gauge my fitness level. About twenty-five minutes into the workout, I started getting dizzy...then, I threw-up...twice. How's that for gauging my fitness level? An hour later, we started stretching and cool down...thank you, God.
After I left on Monday evening, I could barely walk...by Tuesday, I was limping around...by Wednesday morning, I looked like I needed a walker to help me around the house. Time for Round Two. Wednesday evening, I went in for my second appointment...cardio and my fitness evaluation (weighing, fat-pinching, measuring, and all). To my surprise, I can bench press 85 pounds, do 15 push-ups (yes, real ones), and run on the treadmill for 20 minutes...wow! Who would have thought?
I left, this evening, feeling really good about myself. I have committed to working out 6 days a week, 2 weight-training days and 4 cardio days. My trainer and my nutritionist have both assured me that I can reach my goal of losing 20 pounds in 5 weeks...let's keep our fingers crossed!
Time for the Fair
The Fred, SweetBoy, and I got a chance to go to the fair yesterday with our "Boo," and we all had a blast. Unfortunately, Papa "C" had to work, but he got in a little time with the kiddos since we spent the night Monday night. Both kids seemed to enjoy their first fair trip, and of course, I was happy because Boo and I got Polish sausages with peppers and onions for lunch...yummy!
By the time our fair trip was over, we had pet a few cows, seen baby chicks and ducks, watched some dancing clowns and Inspector Detector the Dog, The Fred had a blow-up Dora doll and multi-color cotton candy, SweetBoy was still giggling, and MommaDrool and Boo were in dire need of a Tums. Sounds like a perfect trip to the fair to get the fall season started right!
Almost There...
Thank you so much to all of you for the donations and support that I have received for Race for the Cure! I am just $25 short of my fundraising goal, but we have exceeded our collective Team Becca goal...hip-hip hooray!
I can't wait for the race Saturday morning...the weather should be cool enough that we will be able to enjoy being outside. Thank you again for all of your support, and I am planning to run the 5K next year...after 20 minutes of running on the treadmill with my personal trainer tonight, I am well on my way! See you Saturday morning!
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Bed-Hoarding
Okay, we all talk about what our kids will do in their rooms when left alone, but The Fred has started an unlikely tradition...hoarding items in her bed...
It's a Good Thing...
Top Five Things That I Love...Right Now:
1) New 5-quart saute pan...for cooking lots of yummy food
2) Red & black polka dot broom and jumbo dust pan...for cleaning up crushed Goldfish
3) My hand-me-down FoodSaver...for keeping strawberries fresh for longer than I ever thought possible
4) Vanilla & Lavender fabric softener...because it makes the sheets smell soooo good
5) Baby carrots dipped in Annie's Naturals Goddess Dressing...oh, a taste to die for
Race for the Cure: Team Becca
As most of you know, the 16th Annual Race for the Cure at Linn Park in downtown Birmingham, Alabama takes place on Saturday, October 13, 2007. Few Alabama traditions touch the hearts of so many like the Komen Birmingham Race for the Cure. Every year thousands of people come out to give moms, dads, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons and friends the the gift of life, support and hope.
I hope that as many of you as possible will join me to help support my friend, Rebecca Jenkins, a breast cancer survivor. I will be participating in the race this year with several of my friends and family in support of Becca and her family. You can go to Team Becca to register.
If you can't participate, you can still make a donation to the team or one of the members that will be racing.
Team Becca will meet in front of Boutwell Auditorium in Downtown Birmingham at 7:30 am the morning of the race. Thanks everyone for your support - look forward to seeing you there!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Favorite Recipe: MommaDrool Meatloaf
MommaDrool Meatloaf
Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 and 1/2 cups soft breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons Texas Pete hot sauce
1/2 can diced tomatoes
1/2 can tomato sauce
2 bacon slices
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stir together ground beef and next nine ingredients (through diced tomatoes) until combined.
2) Shape mixture into one loaf (9 x 4 inches) and place in an aluminum foil-lined broiler pan.
3) Pour tomato sauce over loaf and arrange two bacon slices on top.
4) Bake for one hour and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Monday, October 1, 2007
The Fred Flees the Scene
We made a trip to Target today to return some items and purchase a few more. The Fred is a big fan of the carts with the two seats at the front, so we found one for her to ride in as soon as we pulled into the parking lot. After I strapped in The Fred, I decided to let SweetBoy ride in his car seat on top of the cart (this way he is out of the line of fire when The Fred starts pitching a fit and throwing punches...which is almost a guarantee if we are in public).
After I finished picking up the few items I needed, we proceeded to the express checkout lane. Usually, this is The Fred's favorite part of a shopping trip...putting the items on the checkout belt, pushing all of the buttons on the credit card machine, making friends with the cashier, and telling her life story to everyone standing in line behind us. Today, The Fred had other plans...
Once I had finished unloading the items we were purchasing, another Target employee asked me if we had dropped a bottle a few rows back. Of course, it was ours...The Fred had chucked it...she then stated, "I threw it...it went far, far away!" Why am I not surprised? As I stepped forward to retrieve the bottle, The Fred put her plans into action...
From behind me, I hear, "Momma, I'm out!" What? What do you mean? (...spinning around in horror...) And she's off! Running at full speed...through the automatic doors at the exit...onto the sidewalk...around the corner...
"STOOOOP," I scream, but it is no use. Alright Mom, think quick....abandon SweetBoy at checkout line and piss off all customers in line behind us...or...take off in a mad dash after The Fred and beat her relentlessly while avoiding store cameras...
As I take off after her, here she comes around the corner...being carried like a sack of potatoes by a woman (another mother, of course) that grabbed her just as she rounded the corner. As we made eye contact, she said, "I would be willing to bet that this is yours." "Yes, but I think the saying is 'finders, keepers,'" I reply. We both get a good laugh out of it, and she hands over The Fred. Looks like someone won't be going to the park today after all...
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Favorite Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos
This is another recipe creation that I came up with to satisfy the husby's cravings for fish tacos from McCormick & Schmick's. It has proven to be a favorite among the family, and even The Fred likes it. Enjoy!
Baja Fish Tacos
Ingredients:
2-3 Mahi-Mahi Fillets (or other firm white fish)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 package taco seasoning
1 package angel hair slaw
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons cilantro
2 tablespoons diced jalapeno
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons Texas Pete hot sauce
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 package burrito-size flour tortillas
1 container fresh pico de gallo or salsa
Directions:
1) In a bowl, combine angel hair slaw, vinegar, cilantro, and diced jalapeno. Mix well and put in refrigerator to marinate.
2) Mix together sour cream and hot sauce and refrigerate.
3) Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cut Mahi-Mahi fillets into one-inch wide strips. Combine flour and taco seasoning and mix well. Dredge fish in seasoning mixture until well coated.
4) Add fish to skillet and cook until lightly browned and cooked through.
5) To assemble tacos, spread sour cream mixture onto flour tortillas, add fish, top with slaw and pico de gallo, and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
New Pair of Kicks
The Fred got her first pair of sneakers today...a pair of pink New Balances...very cute! As soon as I put them on her feet, she turned into an athlete...or what she thinks, in her pretty little two-year old head, someone should be doing when they have on sneakers. First, she showed me how to run...then, she showed me how to jump...next, she picked up a ball and said, "Shoot that ball!"...lastly, she showed me how to march in place, very quickly...
I Might Be Slackin' With Baby #2...
Well, SweetBoy is eight months old now, and although I have taken hundreds of pictures of him since birth, I have not had any professional photos taken. GASP!!! With The Fred (a.k.a. Baby #1), I had pictures taken at birth, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, one year, etc. I have to get my act together and setup an appointment for some 9 month portraits. As for what I will tell him about his lack of professional pics in the previous 9 months, I will be busy using Photoshop to add the cheesy backdrops to his digital snapshots...
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Third Release by The MommaDrool Mafia
MommaPeas, after hearing that Tooty can bob her head to some of your favorite hits, I was inspired to do a MommaDrool & MommaPeas rap duet for the much-awaited third release by The MommaDrool Mafia. Hope you enjoy the new release, "Nuthin' But a Mom Thang."
Nuthin' But a Mom Thang
One, two, three and to the fo'
Got my SweetBoy and The Fred on the flo'
Ready to play with our toys, so back on up
Cause you know we 'bout to tear things up
Gimme my magic wand first, so we can blow lots of bubbles
SweetBoy and The Fred together, now you know you in trouble
Ain't nothin' but a Mom thang, baaaaabay!
This stay at home mom is goin’ craaaaazay!
The hardest job but no one ever paaaaays me!
Unfadable, so please don't try to fade this [Well yeah]
But, uh, back to the lecture at hand
Perfection is perfected, so I'm 'a let 'em understand
From a young Mom's perspective
And before we have us one more I have to take a contraceptive
You never know they might be playin' with toys, And breakin' the toys, and at the same time throwin’ their toys
Now you know I ain't down wit that, my mommas
Ain't no other stay at home ladies that don’t git my problems
Now that's realer than real-deal Holyfield
And now all you mommas and tot's know how I feel
Well if it's late enough to put ‘em down for a good nap
I'll do anything to get all these kids off my lap
It's like this and like that and like this and uh
It's like that and like this and like that and uh
It's like this and like that and like this and uh
MommaPeas, creep to the mic like a phantom
-MommaPeas
Well I'm peepin', and I'm creepin', and I'm creep-in'
But I almost got caught, cause my Tooty was sleepin'
Now it's time for me to make my impression felt
So sit back, relax, and strap on your seatbelt
You never seen a mom like this befo'
With a cool girly who can play and control the whole show
At the same time with the dope food that I cook
You know, and I know, I flow, even readin’ a book
To add to my collection, the selection
Momma-haters say, it’s not fair, I don't care
If ya' do, ya' have no clue
O' what me and my baby Lil’ Tooty came to do
It's like this and like that and like that and uh
It's like that and like this and like that and uh
It's like this, than who really cares about those?
So jus' chill, 'til the next episode
-MommaDrool
Gettinin' kids in the car is like nothing you ever seen
A funky diaper smells like a' old batch o' collard greens
It's the capital M, oh yes, the fresh O double M-A D-R double O-L, M-O-M-M-A ya' see
Showin' much flex when it's time to wreck a mic
Slammin' do's and givin' me lip while I play with these tikes
Yeah, and it don't quit
I think they in a mood to see these kids throw a fit
So Peas. [What up Drool?]
We gotta give 'em what they want [What's that, D?]
We gotta break 'em off somethin' [Well yeah]
And it's gotta be bumpin' [City of B’ham!]
-MommaPeas
It's where it takes place so I'm a ask your attention
Kids are yellin’ real loud but I ain't pinchin’
Droppin' the funky beat that's makin the mommies mumble
When I'm on the mic, it's like a cookie, they all crumble
Talk about my Tooty, and you might get smacked
My stay at home mommy, MommaDrool, has got my back
Never let me slip, 'cause if I slip, then I'm slippin'
But if I got my Tooty, then you know I ain’t trippin'
And I'm a continue to put the rap down, put the mack down
And if your mommies talk mean, I have ta' put the smack down
Yeah, and ya' don't stop
I told you I'm just like a clock when I tick and I tock
But I'm never off, always on, 'til the break of dawn
P-L-A-Y-I-N-G, and the city they call B’ham
Puttin' the stuff together
Like my gal, MommaDrool, no one can do it better
Like this, that and this and uh
It's like that and like this and like that and uh
It's like this, than who really cares about those?
So jus' chill, 'til the next episode
Halloween Preview
Good Morning, Brother
Since moving The Fred to a big girl bed, she likes to visit with her brother in the next room when she wakes up in the mornings. I always know when she is awake because I can hear her talking to him over the baby monitor that is by his crib.
The first night that she slept in her big girl bed, I heard The Fred whisper over the baby monitor, "Brother, are you sleeping?" A few seconds later, I could hear SweetBoy giggle. When I went into his room, he was sitting in the middle of a crib full of stuffed animals. I guess that The Fred decided that he needed some company.
In the morning, after The Fred's second night in her big girl bed, I found her, with her pillow and blankie, laying on the floor beneath SweetBoy's crib. She was laying there "reading" him the books that she had found on his bookshelf. What a great big sis! I am sure that things may change in the coming years, but for now, I am enjoying how close they are to each other.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
She Can Spell!
G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S ... GLAMOROUS! Thank you, Fergie. Because of your lyrical masterpiece, The Fred may enter her first Spelling Bee at age three. Oh, the flossy, flossy!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Favorite Recipe: Pheasant & Forest Mushrooms
Okay, I always wonder exactly how I should cook some of the things that my husband kills...that didn't sound right...well, pheasant is one of those things that we don't cook on a regular basis, so when the Husby came home with pheasant from his bird shoot this weekend, I decided I would whip up a gourmet meal "a la pheasant." Make your husby cut up the pheasant for you...it makes them feel loved and then you don't have to touch them (the pheasant not your husby). This is an easy recipe, and it goes well with rice pilaf and steamed broccoli. Enjoy!
Pheasant & Forest Mushrooms
Ingredients:
1 cup forest mushroom blend, chopped
1 cup shiitake mushrooms, chopped
2 portabello mushroom caps chopped
2 pheasant- skinned, de-boned, and cut into small chunks
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 cup shallots, finely chopped
3 tablespoons oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
2 teaspoons fresh basil
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup white wine
(salt and pepper to taste)
Directions:
1) Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute pheasant meat with garlic and basil until lightly browned.
2) Remove meat from pan with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add butter, shallots, and mushrooms to pan. Saute until golden brown.
3) Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and add white wine. Return pheasant to skillet and stir into mushroom mixture. Simmer for 30 minutes.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Parenting Rule #468
I kind of felt as if this was a rule that all parents knew and understood...
I Couldn't Resist...
Here is my eBay listing for the Siamese Twin Carrots...
Siamese Twin Carrots on eBay
I know...I have officially lost it...
SweetBoy vs. The Mashed Potatoes
The mashed potatoes had no chance up against SweetBoy. He ate them all and then sang for more...
SweetBoy Enjoying Mashed Potatoes...
And Singing for More...
I Could Sell It On eBay...
Mine Too!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Happy (Early) Birthday To Me...
Happy Birthday to me!I Laughed So Hard...
SweetBoy loves to ride on people's shoulders...especially, if they have a bald head to slobber on. My MIL caught this video of SweetBoy with Grandpa last weekend. SweetBoy laughed so hard that he instantly fell asleep in Grandpa's arms!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Reason #12: Why You Should Not Have White Suede Couches, If You Have Children
Reason #12:
They may decide to use the back of the couch as a canvas for their latest masterpiece...and you may cry...
(The Fred keeps telling me, "Uh-oh, that wasn't supposed to happen!)
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Sensible Observations
1) When I die, I want to die like my grandfather--who died
peacefully in his sleep. Not screaming like all the
passengers in his car."
--Author Unknown
2) Advice for the day: If you have a lot of tension and you
get a headache, do what it says on the aspirin bottle:
"Take two aspirin" and "Keep away from children."
--Author Unknown
3) "Oh, you hate your job? Why didn't you say so?
There's a support group for that.
It's called EVERYBODY, and they meet at the bar."
--Drew Carey
4) "The problem with the designated driver program, it's
not a desirable job, but if you ever get sucked into
doing it, have fun with it. At the end of the night,
drop them off at the wrong house."
--Jeff Foxworthy
5) "If a woman has to choose between catching a fly ball
and saving an infant's life, she will choose to save the
infant's life without even considering if there is a man on base."
--Dave Barry
6) "Relationships are hard. It's like a full time job, and
we should treat it like one. If your boyfriend or girlfriend
wants to leave you, they should give you two weeks' notice.
There should be severance pay, the day before they leave
you, they should have to find you a temp."
--Bob Ettinger
7) "My Mom said she learned how to swim when someone took
her out in the lake and threw her off the boat. I said,
'Mom, they weren't trying to teach you how to swim.'"
--Paula Poundstone
8) "A study in the Washington Post says that women have
better verbal skills than men. I just want to say to the
authors of that study: "Duh."
--Conan O'Brien
9) "Why does Sea World have a seafood restaurant?? I'm
halfway through my fish burger and I realize, Oh my God....
I could be eating a slow learner."
--Lynda Montgomery
10) "I think that's how Chicago got started. Bunch of
people in New York said, 'Gee, I'm enjoying the crime
and the poverty, but it just isn't cold enough.
Let's go west.'"
--Richard Jeni
11) "If life were fair, Elvis would be alive and all the
impersonators would be dead."
--Johnny Carson
12) "Sometimes I think war is God's way of teaching us geography."
--Paul Rodriguez
13) "My parents didn't want to move to Florida ,
but they turned sixty and that's the law."
--Jerry Seinfeld
14) "Remember in elementary school, you were told that in
case of fire you have to line up quietly in a single file line
from smallest to tallest. What is the logic in that?
What, do tall people burn slower?"
--Warren Hutcherson
15) "Bigamy is having one wife/husband too many.
Monogamy is the same."
--Oscar Wilde
16) "Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a
member of Congress.. But I repeat myself."
--Mark Twain
17) "Our bombs are smarter than the average high school student.
At least they can find Afghanistan "
--A. Whitney Brown
18) "You can say any foolish thing to a dog,
and the dog will give you a look that says,
'My God, you're right!
I never would've thought of that!'"
--Dave Barry
19) Do you know why they call it "PMS"?
Because "Mad Cow Disease" was taken.
--Unknown, presumed deceased
20) "Everybody's got to believe in something.
I believe I'll have another beer."
- W. C. Fields
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Sprinkler Stars
