The Cottage Cafe

Dorito Taco Bake

2012-01-11T05:03:00.000-08:00

I found this recipe on Pinterest.com (my current obsession). If you have not yet exposed yourself to the world of pinning, I warn you in advance, it is highly addicting. Pinterest is a virtual world where you can create individualized "boards" and "pin" things to your board for future reference. Sort of like a Post-it note on a cork board in the real world. There are so many ideas out there for the sharing that it nearly blows your mind. I love, love, love it!! I saw this recipe on Pinterest yesterday. I had planned to make tacos for dinner, but decided to try this instead since it had basically the same ingredients. It was yummy and a fun twist on an old standard flavor profile. And hey, who doesn't like Doritos? I am posting the recipe as it was originally posted. But I did tweak a couple things, I used diced tomatoes that had green chiles in them and I opted for Taco Flavored Doritos! Enjoy!

Dorito Taco Bake

Ingredients:
1 lb. hamburger
1 pkg. taco seasoning
8 oz. sour cream
1 pkg. crescent rolls (8)
1 can tomato sauce
1 can diced tomatoes (I used tomatoes with green chiles)
1 c. shredded cheese
Dorito chips (I used Taco flavored Doritos; Spicy Doritos would be good too!)

Directions:
1. Brown hamburger and drain.
2. Add taco seasoning, tomato sauce, tiny bit of water, and diced tomatoes. Simmer.
3. In 9x13 dish, press out crescent rolls and roll seams to form crust.
4. Layer hamburger mixture, sour cream and then cheese.
5. Crush about 3/4 of a bag of Doritos and put them on top. Bake at 350 for 30 min.

Brunswick Stew

2012-01-09T03:58:00.000-08:00

During the Christmas/New Year holiday, I was visiting with my oldest son, Caleb. While driving in North Carolina, we passed a Smithfield Restaurant and he told me they had the best Brunswick Stew. Flash back to the mid 80's (LAWD!!). I recall my first encounter with Brunswick Stew, prepared by my then mother-in-law, Bonzie. She was an amazing cook and introduced me to all sorts of new food experiences. I believe my love for cooking might have stemmed from fond memories around her table.

There seems to be some debate over where the stew originated. The honor is claimed by both Brunswick, GA and Brunswick County, VA. Some claim the stew is of German origin. But the dish is popular throughout the American South including the Carolinas where it is often referred to as hash and served over rice. The stew was created using wild game; rabbit, squirrel and venison were some popular options. Modern Brunswick Stew is generally pork or chicken based.

So here is my first attempt at preparing the stew. I froze half of the batch of stew for a meal later on. I opted to use a slow cooker and pork as my protein because I had it on hand. I also purposefully used simple, basic elements (no seasonings)in order to tweak the recipe. Of note, I used a sweet Barbecue Sauce (Sweet Baby Ray's). However, when I make it again I would opt for a Barbecue Sauce that is less sweet, it made the stew a little too sweet for my taste. I would also add garlic powder and a touch of cumin for the smoky flavor. Otherwise, I enjoyed the stew and will be making it for Caleb and his family on my next visit to North Carolina! Enjoy!

Easy Slow Cooked Brunswick Stew
Cook Time: 8 to 10 hours on low setting

1 1/2 lbs Boneless Pork Shoulder, trimmed and cut into 4 pieces
3 medium sized red potatoes, cubed (I left skin on)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (15 oz) can chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 1/2 cups frozen baby lima beans
1 1/2 cups frozen whole kernel corn
1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce (don't use one that is too sweet)
Combine pork and remaining ingredients in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours. Remove pork and shred with two forks; return to slow cooker.

Chunky Potato Soup

2011-12-20T07:36:00.001-08:00

Potato soup is an easy go-to recipe for cold winter nights, or a lazy Sunday lounging in your PJs. It is also convenient when I have forgotten to thaw out some meat for dinner, because I usually have the ingredients on hand in the kitchen. This recipe calls for bacon, but recently I have been making it without bacon and the results are just as delicious. I substitute a 1/2 stick of butter for the bacon and then the soup can be suitable for vegetarians as well. Also, if you want to "fancy it up", feel free to add whatever toppings you like, such as cheese, green onion, crispy bacon, etc. I like it "Plain Jane". I can't believe I just said that I like anything "Plain Jane", y'all know I'm all about "fancy-ing things up". But the flavors in this simple dish are rich and delicious on their own. Enjoy!!

Chunky Potato Soup
Makes 6 (1-cup) Servings
Ingredients:
6 slices of bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
1 (13&3/4 oz) can chicken broth
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cubed
1 cup milk
4 cups peeled potatoes, cubed
Directions:
Cook bacon in 5-quart pot on medium heat until crisp, stirring frequently. Drain bacon, reserving 2 T drippings in pot. Set bacon aside. Add onion to drippings in pot; cook and stir for approximately 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in broth, milk and cream cheese; stir on LOW heat until cream cheese is melted. Add potatoes, cook on medium low heat 20 to 25 minutes or until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.

Spaghetti Casserole

2011-12-13T04:48:00.000-08:00

While visiting my sister-in-law, Jenny Detwiler, for the Thanksgiving holiday, she mentioned this dish and I knew I had to try it. Mostly because Little Chief is CRAZY for spaghetti. It is his all-time favorite dish and he never, ever, tires of it. Unfortunately, I do. I like adventurous cooking, challenging my palette and trying dishes with a gourmet flair. He likes noodles and sauce. Really? Every single time I have asked him what he would like for dinner he has said spaghetti, even if we just had it last night! So I saw this recipe as an opportunity to incorporate both his love of spaghetti and my hankering for something new and exciting.

Little Chief was at first not pleased to see his beloved spaghetti in a casserole dish. That got him suspicious right off the bat! He said "Moooooooom", I noted a little panic in his voice, "what is wrong with this spaghetti?" I used my ninja mom skills and remained zen, nonchalant, preoccupied with cleaning up the kitchen. I replied that this was a new spaghetti recipe, spaghetti casserole. He said "the word casserole makes me shudder". (How did this kid get so dramatic?) But all's well that ends well. After much protesting, complaining and whining he finally took a bite and actually liked it. The hubby and I really liked it.

This makes a 9x13 pan, but my sis-in-law said she often makes it for friends that have just had babies and makes two 8x8's, one for her family and one for giving away. I really like that idea. Or you could eat one and freeze the other depending on the size of your family. I took her basic recipe and added a few different elements and this is what I came up with.

Ingredients:
8 ounces spaghetti
8 ounces sour cream
8 ounces cream cheese (cut in cubes)
1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained (seasoned to taste with dry oregano, dry basil, garlic powder, salt and pepper)
30 ounce jarred spaghetti sauce (I used Prego Garden Chunky)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions and drain, but do not rinse.
Return spaghetti to warm pot and add cream cheese.
Blend cream cheese until melted with spaghetti, then add sour cream and Parmesan cheese and blend until incorporated.
Put spaghetti mixture into greased pan (or pans)
Layer half of the mozzarella, then seasoned beef, then a little more mozzarella
Spread spaghetti sauce across and top with remaining mozzarella.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 - 35 minutes.
Let stand for 5 or 10 minutes.

Chili for a Crowd

2011-11-15T07:22:00.001-08:00

This past weekend we hosted a surprise birthday party for my son's sweet girlfriend, Silvia. She turned 23 and is an active duty member of the United States Marines. She is a 4'11" martial arts "weapon of mass destruction". We are so proud of her!
Ain't she a cutie!

We had about 25 guests and I prepared a huge pot of chili and had a toppings bar with all kinds of goodies so each person could fancy it up to their own liking. It was easy to prepare ahead of time, which allowed me to participate in all the goings on instead of being stuck tending food in the kitchen. So here's the recipe:

Ingredients:
2 lbs lean ground beef, turkey or chicken
1 large onion, chopped
1 each red, green and yellow peppers, chopped
2 T garlic, minced
2 large jars taco sauce, mild, medium or hot (to taste)
1 jar salsa
1 - 15 oz jar diced tomatoes, juice included
4 - 15 oz cans of beans (any combination you like black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, navy beans, garbonzo beans; drain and rinse well)
2 packages low sodium taco seasoning
2 T Apple Cider Vinegar
Optional Toppings:
Shredded Cheese
Onions
Jalepenos
Sour Cream
Corn Chips
Directions:
Brown ground meat with onions until well cooked and crumbled. Add 2 packages of taco seasonings and mix well. Add chopped peppers, garlic, taco sauce, salsa, tomatoes, beans and apple cider vinegar. Mix and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low temp and simmer to allow flavors to develop, at least one hour (the longer the better). Stir to prevent sticking. Serve in a bowl with toppings of your choice).

Cheater Chicken and Dumplings

2011-11-14T08:58:00.000-08:00

One of my sweet baby boy's, Caleb, came home this weekend with his girlfriend Silvia and my precious new granddaughter, Natalie Jade. Caleb requested that I make Chicken and Dumplings because Silvia, who is originally from Mexico, had never had this delightful Southern staple. Well, I admit that getting my hands on that 3 month old angel baby was what was really on my mind, much more than slaving over a hot stove. So I used this cheater recipe and let me tell you my family was none the wiser. It tasted GOOD, Honey!!

Ingredients
1 whole Store-bought Deli Rotisserie Chicken
3 stalks Celery, Split Lengthwise And Sliced About 1/2" Thick
½ whole Medium Onion, Diced
2 teaspoons Seasoned Salt (I Use Lawry's)
1 teaspoon Garlic Salt
1 carton (26 Oz) Chicken Stock (not Broth)
2 cups Water
1 can (26 Oz) Cream Of Chicken Soup (I Use Campbell's)
1 can Ready-to-bake "flaky" Biscuits
¼ teaspoons Dry Poultry Seasoning
1 cup Frozen Carrots (optional)

Preparation InstructionsRemove the skin from the chicken and pick all of the meat off. Cut/tear the meat into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.

Heat a stock pot over medium-high heat. Add the celery, onions, and both salts.

Saute the onion and celery for about three minutes, stirring often. You don’t need any oil. Don’t worry if it starts to brown and stick a little. The next step will take care of that.

Add the stock, water and soup to the pot, reduce the heat and let it come to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You might need to whisk it a little to get the soup to fully incorporate.

While the liquid is simmering, flour both sides of five of the canned biscuits. Using a rolling pin, roll each biscuit out to about 1/8″ thick. Cut the biscuits into 1″ wide strips and cut the long ones in half lengthwise. You now have dumplings, so set them aside.

(Note: The flour is key, as it will help thicken the liquid.)

Add the chicken, poultry seasoning and carrots (if desired) to the pot and increase the heat to medium-high. Bring the liquid just to a boil (it must be boiling).

Drop the dumplings into the boiling liquid and stir just enough to ensure they are all as submerged as you can get them. Stir gently so that you don’t break up the dumplings.

Let the pot boil gently uncovered for about 10 minutes, softly stirring/folding occasionally.

Remove from the heat, pour into a serving dish and let stand about 10 minutes.

Serve and enjoy!

Chicken Parmesan Casserole

2011-11-10T06:21:00.000-08:00

Saw this recipe on Pinterest and tried it last night and it was so good. It was easy for a quick weeknight supper and something different when you are trying to figure out what to do with chicken breasts. It is also a healthier version because there is not all the breading and frying of the chicken. Added a green salad to the side and that is all we needed.

Chicken Parmesan Casserole

2 T Olive Oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Hot red pepper flakes, to taste
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups prepared marinara sauce (I used Prego garden chunky)
1/4 cup fresh basil chopped (I used dried oregano and basil, did not have fresh)
8 oz mozarella cheese, shredded
4 oz parmesan cheese, grated
1 5 oz pkg garlic croutons

Pour olive oil in bottom of 9 x 13 baking dish. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and sperad evenly over bottom of dish. Add chicken breasts. Cover with marinara sauce. Sprinkle with Basil. Layer 4 oz of mozarella and 2 oz of parmesan cheeses over sauce. Spread croutons over cheese layer. Layer remaining cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 - 40 minutes.

Shepherd's Pie Recipe

2011-11-08T06:49:00.000-08:00

I did not grow up eating Shepherd's Pie, in fact I don't think I even knew about the dish until I was married with children. Now it is a fall go-to dish for me especially if I have leftover mashed potatoes. It is a comforting all-in-one dish that my whole family enjoys. Little Chief does not like green peas which is a traditional ingredient for Shepherd's Pie, so I use green beans instead.

Shepherd's Pie
Serves 4
For Meat Mixture:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 T butter
1 onion, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce
1/4 cup beef stock
1 can Green Beans, drained
Salt and Pepper, to taste
For Potatoes:
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 T butter
1/4 cup milk
1 T mayo
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions:
In a large skillet, melt 1 T butter over medium heat. Add onions and carrots and saute approx 5 minutes. Add lean ground beef and garlic and cook until browned. Add Worcestershire Sauce, beef stock, green beans and salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low while preparing potaotes.

Boil potatoes until tender, drain. Put 4 T butter in bottom of pot used for boiling potatoes, return potatoes to the pot. Add mayo, milk. Mix with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.

Layer meat mixture evenly into a baking dish. Spread mashed potoates evenly over meat mixture. Top with shredded cheese. Bake in preheated oven at 400 degrees for approximately 20 minutes.

Bloody Mary Pot Roast with Fall Veggies, YUM

2011-11-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

I love pot roast and I love Bloody Mary's so why not combine the two for one delicious slow cooked dinner. The recipe calls for arm roast, but I substituted a chuck roast because they were on sale. This recipe also calls for fall veggies such as leeks and rutagas, but I did not have either so I substituted onion for the leeks and potatoes and carrots for the rutabaga. I must confess that I have never tried a rutabaga, but I'm not opposed to the idea. I don't really think the name of this veggie is really doing it any favors though, it just sounds yucky. I do remember as a kid my Grandma Spellings talking about "rutabager pie" I was thinking to myself that ain't no pie I wanna try!! This recipe seems like a lot of steps but it really wasn't hard to put together and it was worth it.

Bloody Mary Pot Roast With Fall Vegetables
Serves Approx 8 people
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 -4 lbs boneless beef arm roast, seasoned with kosher salt and black pepper
• 1/2 cup low sodium beef broth
• 1 (12 ounce) bottle vegetable juice cocktail (V8)
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
• 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 leeks, sliced
• 3 ribs celery, sliced into 2-inch pieces
• 1 rutabaga, cut into 2-inch chunks (1 lb.)
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, leaves
• 2 tablespoons vodka
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• hot pepper sauce
• kosher salt
• black pepper
• celery leaves (optional)
Directions
1. Heat oil in a saute pan; brown roast on all sides in hot oil over med-high heat, about 12 minutes total.
2. Remove roast from pan; place meat in a 5 to 6 quart slow cooker.
3. Deglaze the pan with broth, scraping up brown bits.
4. Stir in vegetable juice, horseradish, celery seed, and bay leaf; pour mixture into slow cooker.
5. Arrange leeks, celery, rutabaga, and bell pepper on top of meat.
6. Cover slow cooker, cook until meat and vegetables are tender—on high heat setting for 4-5 hours, or on low heat setting for 9-10 hours.
7. Using a slotted spoon, remove meat and vegetables to a serving platter; cover and keep food warm.
8. Transfer juices from slow cooker to a saucepan; skim off fat.
9. Stir cold water into flour; stir flour mixture into juices in sauepan; cook over medium heat until gravy is thickened, 2 minutes.
10. Stir parsley, vodka, and vinegar into gravy in saucepan.
11. Season gravy with hot pepper sauce, salt, and pepper.
12. Serve gravy over pot roast, vegetables, and noodles (if desired).
13. Garnish each serving with celery leaves.

Happy Boss' Day

2011-10-17T05:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Boss' Day! To those of you who are bosses, don't be a "horrible boss"; to those who may one day become the boss, remember what it was like when you weren't the boss and be kind and considerate; to those of you who never want to be a boss, remember your boss is usually juggling a lot of responsibilities at once, be patient.

At our office we made breakfast for our bosses this morning. My contribution was a delicious French Toast Souffle. Also a family favorite for Christmas morning at my house. You do all the prep work the night before and refrigerate, then pop it in the oven in the A.M. I hope you will try it and let me know what you think if you do!!

French Toast Suoffle'

Yield: Approx 12 servings

Ingredients:
10 cup cubed sturdy white bread, about 16 slices (I use Pepperidge Farm Hearty White)
8 oz block cream cheese, room temperature
8 large eggs
1 1/2 c milk
2/3 c half and half
1/2 c maple syrup
1/2 t vanilla extract
2 T powdered sugar for garnish (optional)
Extra maple syrup for serving

Directions: Place bread cubes in a 13x9 cooking dish coated with cooking spray. Beat cream cheese with mixer at medium speed until smooth. Add eggs 1 at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add milk, half and half, 1/2 maple syrup and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Pour cream cheese mixture over top of bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat over to 375 degrees.

Remove bread mixture from fridge; let stand on counter for 30 minutes. Bake at 375 for 50 minutes until set. Sprinkle souffle' with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup.

Test Recipe Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

2011-10-04T05:48:00.000-07:00

This week's test recipe was an effort to recreate one of Little Chief's favorite Chinese Food Noshes, Orange Chicken. He LOVES some orange chicken. However, Mama don't love the calories and fat that accompany that citrus goodness. I liked this recipe. It was so easy to throw together in the A.M. and when I got home from work, I just threw some rice in the rice cooker and we were ready to eat in 20 minutes. Next time, I would make a few changes to the recipe, mostly add some heat with crushed red pepper and would probably throw in some veggies, broccoli and water chestnuts and onion maybe. But we did veggies on the side this time. Little Chief did not like it so much. He said it was OK, but it didn't taste nothing like the orange chicken he liked. I told him it was a healthier version so it would not taste the same, but the essence should be the same. He went on to tell me "Mom, I am a connoisseur of orange chicken, I know what it should taste like". And he gave me that "Duh" look as if to say "I know everything and you know nothing". He's becoming a pro at giving me that look and he is only 10 years old. Me thinks the boy needs his booty smacked, but spanking your kids went out with feathered bangs...I miss spanking....but as they say what goes around comes around and I'm just dreaming of the day that spanking becomes trendy again. But I do digress, me and Chief liked the recipe and Little Chief ate it between protests. He also added so sweetly (not) that we should keep the Jade Garden Restaurant on speed dial. He will be eating PB&J for the rest of the week, thank you very much!!!

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

8 small boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 Tbsp flour
1/3 cup orange marmalade
1/3 barbecue sauce
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp grated ginger root

Toss chicken with flour in slow cooker. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over chicken. Cover, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours. Serve with hot cooked rice.

What a Difference a Year CAN Make

2011-10-03T05:32:00.000-07:00

Wow, the pics below are from 2011 Khaki ball. The last pic is from the 2010 ball. I am almost unrecognizable even to myself in that pic. I have lost 105 lbs in the lats year! Went from my embarrassing all time high of 216 in the pic below to this morning's Monday weigh-in of 111. YAY ME!!

Test Recipe - Slow Cooked Tex Mex Chicken

2011-09-21T06:33:00.000-07:00

Wow!! I have been away from the blogosphere for a while now. I promised myself to get back to blogging because I really do love it. However, something always seems to get in the way. But here I go getting back up on the bike. :) I will start my "back to blogging" with a recipe that I tried this week. I like to try to introduce at least one new test recipe to my family each week and see if it will be a hit or a miss. This recipe was a hit. It was easy and inexpensive to prepare. However, it does have some spice to it, which my family loves, but if yours is sensitive to spicy heat, cut down on the chilis and use a mild salsa. And true to form, I forgot to take photos, but I'll get back into the swing of that too. Enjoy!

Slow Cooked Tex Mex Chicken
Serves 4

1 cup dried pinto beans, rinsed
1 jar (11 oz) mild or medium salsa (1 1/2 cups)
2 T chopped canned chipolte chilis in adobo sauce (mexican food isle)
2 T all-purpose flour
1 cup water
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 8)
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
Sour cream and fresh cilantro for serving (optional)

Directions: In a 5-6 quart slow cooker, stir together beans, salsa, chilis, flour and 1 cup water. Season chicken with salt and pepper; arrange on top of bean mixture. Scatter onion and bell pepper on top of chicken. Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours (do not open lid or stir). Remove chicken from stew; shred into large pieces and return to stew. Serve topped with sour cream and cilantro.

Health Quest

2010-01-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

As with each new year, I vow to get myself healthy and....well, I don't. But I am tired of aching backs and roly polying off the couch and getting winded walking to the mailbox. So here goes again. I have literally tried every diet known to man without any lasting success. Shoot, I think diets are set up to make you fail to keep the industry alive and well. In addition to being failure inducing, these fad diets usually come with a price tag too. Sooooo....I have vowed to diet no more!! No more diet cookies, weighing in at meetings, fake food or cabbage soup (thank the good Lord in Heaven). Instead I am just going to eat what I like in moderation, concentrate on more whole foods and less processed, and try to make one wise food decision after the other until it adds up to success. Plus I need to get my patootie in gear and get some exercise! Work, work, work, makes Kimmy a dull girl and a little bit squishy too! Little Chief said last night while sitting on the loveseat and resting his precious angel head on my arm, "Mama, I am so glad you don't work out because your arm is like a comfy pillow". Then I whacked him and told him to get off me! I found a FREE community that I have used this week to keep me on track. Check it out if you are interested. It is really cool!! Here is a blurb from the website:

"SparkPeople is growing into one of the largest free diet and health-related sites in the world.
SparkPeople has received media coverage from: Fox TV, The New York Times, and ABC TV.
SparkPeople was voted best online health site in Business Week's 2006, 2007 and 2008 "Best of the Web" awards."

Here is the addy: www.sparkpeople.com

Tell me about your goals for the New Year, I'd love to hear from y'all!

Book List 2009

2010-01-04T07:29:00.001-08:00

Hello There! Knock, knock, anybody home? I have obviously been neglecting my blog for a very long time. I guess that is what happens when you work too much. But I have resolved to treat myself better this year and do more of what I enjoy instead of just doing things I am obligated to do. What do you think about that? I hope I can do it. So first on my list was to get back to blogging. I love it. It is a form of creative expression, you meet so many wonderful folks, you learn something almost every day, I mean what's not to love!! I looking forward to chatting YOU up. So to start with I think I'll list the books I read this year. I did not read near as many as I would have liked to (a baker's dozen)...again with the work schedule. So here it is for your literaray pleasure:

Veronika Decides to Die (Oehello)
The Hunger Games (Collins)
The Twentieth Wife (Sundaresan)
The Sari Shop (Raj Bawa)
Vanishing Acts (Piccoult)
Julie/Julia (Powell)
The Tortilla Curtain (Boyle)
Darjeeling (Kirchnea)
Revolutionary Road (Yates)
New Moon (Meyers) (Read out loud to Little Chief, my 2nd time to read it)
The Wizard of Oz (Read out loud to Little Chief)
The Road (McCarthy)
Handling Sin (Malone)

Have you read any of the above titles? Did you especially enjoy any books this year? I am always looking for titles to add to my TBR (To Be Read) pile, although the TBR pile is taking up two book cases in my house right now! I am currently reading "The Help" and I can barely put it down. It grabs a hold in a powerful way. Have you read it? Come on now, let's set a spell and talk books...or anything else you'd like to. It's been way to long, honey!

Wordless Wednesday: Baseball Begins!

2009-04-08T04:52:00.001-07:00

Wordless Wednesday: Little Chief's Birthday Party

2009-03-25T08:08:00.001-07:00

Have you met Ruby?

2009-03-23T06:04:00.000-07:00

Ruby is a show on the Style Network that has me hooked. Ruby is on a quest to lose weight. She has weighed over 550 lbs and has recently lost nearly 100 lbs. The show follows her stuggles to lose weight and it truly inspires me. The thing I love about Ruby is she is not wallowing in self pity. She is funny, free-spirited and adorable. The show is set in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia. She is surrounded by family and friends that love her the way she is, but want to see her healthy and happy. Please go check it out. Just click on her name at the beginning of this paragraph and that should link you up to her website. I promise she will make you smile.

Are you a Ruby fan? If you are honey, sit right down and tell me about your favorite episode.

BBQ Rib Bonanza!

2009-03-20T04:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my youngest (and last) baby boy turned 8 years old! Talk about hard to believe!! My son LOVES ribs and a local restaurant has "all-you-can-eat" ribs on Thursday nights, sooooo, Little Chief went and ate some scrumptious ribs for his birthday dinner with mom and dad. I ate salad, again.....total bummer!

In this pic he is getting impatient because Chief is taking too long to snap the photo and he just wants to dig in. He is giving daddy a warning look with those tight lips and bug eyes - he totally got that expression from me!

Wet wipes to the rescue!

And of course no birthday dinner is ever complete without a little sweet treat!

Happy Birthday, Pumpkin! Stay tuned, the party is on Saturday!

Tasteful Thursday: Shrimp Quesadilla

2009-03-19T04:54:00.001-07:00

Howza 'bout a quick easy recipe for a busy weeknight? This can be low fat too if you use the right ingredients. Here are our cast of characters, at least the ones that made it to rehearsal:

These guys are gonna make a quick side dish:

Now I know some of my friends and family on the Mississippi Gulf Coast will probably cringe in their fishin' boots to see me using frozen shrimps, but hey they were on sale at the Food Lion "buy one get one free", so shush!! If you get home late from work and you forgot to thaw some meat for dinner, pull out a bag of these frozen shrimp and thaw them under cold water in a colander, like I did:

Next take the tails off and cut them up a little. You can skip the cutting up part unless you have a whiney 8-year-old that doesn't like to eat shrimp in big pieces, only little ones. The shrimp are actually fully cooked, so we are just going to warm them in a skillet with a turn or two around the pan of olive oil.

Sprinkle your shrimp generously with this yummy mexican seasoning from Mrs. Dash (for those of us watching our sodium intake) or you can use some Old Bay, yummy!

And since I am committing all sorts of culinary offenses on my way to a quick dinner, spinkle your shrimp with some bottled lime juice; only if you were too lazy to stop at the store for some real limes and fresh cilantro.....uh hum, I admit it, I was too lazy and my pointy-toed black heels were giving me a run for my money!

Sautee on medium high until it is bubbly:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. On a cookie sheet, lay out your tortilla (whole wheat if you love your life) sprinkle with shredded mexican cheese, top with shrimp.

Add some more cheese and jalapenos' (if you love 'em). Top with another torilla.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until cheese melts all that yummy goodness together:

Now for a yummy dipping sauce to compliment our flavors. Remember Low Fat Sour Cream if you are watching your hind quarters. You use equal parts sour cream and cocktail sauce. So if you want a cup of sauce, use 1/2 cup SC and 1/2 cup cocktail sauce:

I could eat this stuff like cake batter, but I'm not because I don't want cake batter or sour cream thighs.

And finally my quick and healthy mexican rice. You can use any rice, but my heart wants me to eat brown rice to keep it strong. So I use the brown rice boil in a bag pouch by Uncle Ben - cook as directed on box.

Combine cooked rice and 1/3 cup of salsa. Stir it all around and there you go:

Add some salad on the side and in less than 15 minutes, you can pull together a healthy, quick meal, no excuses!

Wordless Wednesday: My Nephew Turns 3!

2009-03-18T04:43:00.001-07:00

Bakugan Mania

2009-03-17T08:10:00.001-07:00

Chances are, if you have a boy between the ages of 5 and 12, you know about Bakugan Mania. If you do not have a boy in that age range, you may be saying Baku-who?? At least that is what the nice Cake Lady said when I called to order Little Chief's Birthday Cake. Thank the Good Lord for Google, because that is where the Cake Lady is headed to find inspiration for the cake decorating to commence.

So after running here, there and over yonder hill this weekend to find Bakugan party favors and invites - because NO OTHER theme would do - I found some at Party City, though their supply was looking slim. We loaded up on invites, and cheap party favors (the kind that never make it to the end of the party without breaking) and then $30 later - we were set for the Bakugan Brawling to begin!

Brawling is the technical term for playing the Bakugan Game. I am no Bakugan expert, but Little Chief is ('cuz he told me so) - but basically each player throws out their little ball and the one with the most power wins. That's all I need to know personally, but apparently the game has many intricacies and can be played with a finesse that only little boys can possess.

Any who, I want you to know that after addressing all the invites and packaging them up and stratigically locating them in the back pack for optimal viewing, Little Chief ended up dropping the package of invites somewhere between the bus and school!! So none of his little friends received their invite to the Brawl!! So guess what I had to do after school and work and in the rain and even in high heels? You guessed it, I had to march my hot (hot as in fired up mad, not hot as in Hawt!) patootie right back to Party City. So let's see if he can make it to school with his second set of invites!! I will take lots of photos this coming weekend at his party to share with y'all. There is either going to be some brawling or some bawling going on, maybe a little of both!

Try stepping on one of these fellas in the middle of the night - make ya say words you never even thought of before!

Blog of Absence

2009-03-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

Where have I been? What have I been up to? I have been SICK for over 5 weeks! Sick I tell you - and still working - because at my new job, I don't have leave time built up - bummer! It took all of my energy to go to work and come home and collapse! The good news is that I only woke up once last night with a coughing fit instead of coughing all night long and getting no sleep at all. The lovely military treatment facility (MTF) that I frequent says that my sickness was only viral and did not require antibiotics. So I got the same magical treament that is always given at the MTF the much prescribed, rarely effective Vitamin M - M is for Motrin. The Government must have it stored alongside their arsenal of weapons of mass destruction, that stuff ain't going no where!!! That is the ONLY thing they ever give no matter your diagnosis. I have missed my blog and belive it or not others have missed it too, judging by emails and people poking me on Facebook and asking when I was going to update my blog. So hopefully I am on the mend and I will be able to catch back up with the lives of my blog buddies and do a much better job of updating my friends and family who visit my blog when they don't have anything better to do!!

Happy Birthday To Me!

2009-01-26T06:12:00.000-08:00

Today, I am the birthday girl! I feel blessed to have had a wonderful year, even though it was hectic with the move. Little Chief was so excited to give me gifts this morning! He and Chief gave me a waffle maker and a digital key chain. I love them both. What sweet guys I live with. My friends and family have loaded up my inbox with text messages, too. Sweet, sweet, sweet. Thanks, everyone!

Tasteful Thursday: Rich Toffee Cheesecake

2009-01-21T04:40:00.000-08:00

Ok, how could this NOT be good? It was so delicious!

Ingredients:
Vanilla Wafer Crust
3 pkgs Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 8 oz sour cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups (8 oz pkg) Heath Toffee Bits, divided

***Preheat over to 350 degrees***
For Vanilla Wafer crust combine 1 3/4 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (about 55 wafers) and 2 Tablespoons sugar.

Stir in 1/3 cup melted butter.

Press onto bottom and 1 inch up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan, I sprayed mine with cooking spray first.

Refridgerate crust for about 30 minutes.

Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl on medium speed of mixer until well blended.

Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Add sour cream and vanilla, beat on low speed until blended.

****See that cook book there, The Joy of Cooking, that is THE cookbook you need to own. It is a cook's Bible. If you have a question about cooking, it will be answered within those hallowed pages****

I am baking my cheesecake in a water bath because that is the way to prevent pesky cracks. I have never had a single crack when baked in water bath, knock wood. So wrap the bottom of you cake pan in some foil to keep the water from seeping in!

Measure out 1/4 cup of toffee bits for the top of the cheesecake. I love my pampered chef adjustable measuring cups and spoons, they rock!

Pour half of cheese mixture into prepared pan.

Sprinkle with the bulk of the toffee bits.

Spoon remaining cheese mixture.

Put whole pan inside a rimmed baking dish.

Boil some water in your kettle.

Pour boiling water around the pan, about halfway up. Bake 1 hour or until set.

Cool 15 minutes.
Sprinkled reserved toffee bits over top. loosen cake from side of pan with a sharp knife. Cool completely (at least an hour)

Remove sides of pan. Cover, refridgerate at least 4 hours before serving.

Toilet Training for Cats?

2009-01-19T06:28:00.000-08:00

So this weekend at a baby shower I attended, the mother-to-be got a Diaper Champ; you know the thing you can deposit soiled diapers into and it seals them for removal later. Well, someone at the shower said they make the same thing for cats, you scoop the litter, turn the wheel and it is sealed in a bag for later removal. Sounded interesting so I started doing some research on the subject. During my web search I ran across this:

Now I am intrigued. Could this possibly work? There are a lot of testimonials on the website with photos of kittys using the toilet. I mean, no more litter to buy and it is a way to contribute to a greener planet, sounds good, right? Do you think it would really work? Does anyone out there have this system or a toliet trained cat? I sure hope so and look forward to hearing the pros and cons before I make a decision.

Tasteful Thursday: Layered Mac & Cheese

2009-01-15T05:34:00.001-08:00

The recipe is an old stand by. My family loves it and it is easy on a busy weeknight.

Prepare Kraft Macaroni & Cheese according to package directions. I recently started using the whole wheat version:

Brown 1 lb of ground beef or turkey, drain. Mix in 1 can of Campbell's Golden Mushroom Soup and 1/2 cup of milk, water or even sour cream:

In an 8 x 8 dish begin layering meat mixture followed by a layer of macaroni, repeat layers. Top with shredded cheddar if you want, or not if you are trying to cut down on calories, like me! Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. I serve with a green veggie and crescent rolls. Yummo! Give it a try, you will not be disappointed.

Wordless Wednesday: Dreaming of Summer Fun

2009-01-14T04:40:00.000-08:00

MUFA Anyone?

2009-01-13T05:03:00.000-08:00

No it is not an ugly word, honey, you know my Mama raised me better than that. MUFA stands for monounsaturated fatty acid. These are healthy kinds of fat. I am loosely following a health plan that includes a MUFA with every meal. Apprently this is a diet world "Buzz" word. But so far things are going well on my plan. The MUFAs help you stay fuller longer and you are able to last between meals without getting hungry, plus there are lots of other healthy MUFA benefits. Ok - enough with the MUFA, but here are some examples: Avacado, Olive Oil, Olives, Nuts and Seeds and my favorite MUFA (opps, I said it again) dark chocolate. I have been eating four small 400 calorie meals a day and so far I have not felt hungry like on other programs I have been on, and child, let me tell you, I have been on them ALL.

This is where I am getting some really good menu ideas and recipes for my mini meals.

Healthy Lifestyle = Less Blogging

2009-01-12T04:49:00.000-08:00

It feels like a really long time since I've had a moment to sit and blog. With my goals for the New Year set, I have been daily and diligently working to meet those goals and let me tell you it is time consuming. I have to get up a little earlier to prepare nutritious food for lunches and prep some healthy dinner options, then off to work, then rush to get Little Chief from after school care, then rush to the recreational center for the work out class, rush to prepare a healthy, but quick dinner (try pulling that off), then fall into bed exhausted.

The weekend wasn't any better with planning meals, grocery shopping (why is healthy way more expensive?), rinsing and cleaning veggies galore, thinking about ways to incorporate some time for weight training (an apparent must), trying to spend quality time with kids and husband......geesh. I see why I am overweight. It is so much easier to come home, leisurely prepare a meal while sipping wine and then collapse on the couch for some mindless TV viewing, read to kiddos and self and then go to sleep. BUT - I am not going for the easiest route, no, not me, not anymore. This week I hope to share some healthy meals and tips that I am trying to incorporate into my life.

How about you, do you find time for a healthy lifestyle? Do you have any tips for a beginner like me? How about healthy, quick meal ideas? Please pass along any wisdom you might be able to share, I need it (and others may appreciate it too).

Finding Friends

2009-01-08T06:03:00.001-08:00

Why,oh, Why did I do it? I was warned. I did put it off for a long time. I was repeatedly invited but I ignored it. Until now:

What was I thinking? I can't stop checking in and looking at it. I had oodles of friends from high school on there immediately upon signing up; endearing, fun, memorable people that I spent my "in"formative years with a click away, with life stories that are so interesting and varied. I want to know what everyone is up to. I don't have time for another addiction, the blogosphere is already making me think I need a 12-step program.

Are you on Facebook? Have you been invited to join? If you decide to sign up, don't say I didn't warn you!

2008 Books

2009-01-07T04:47:00.000-08:00

Since this blog is a journal for future generations, I thought I would post here the books I read this year for posterity. I did not read as much as I usually do this year, partly because of this lovely blog and partly because of our military move to Virginia Beach this past summer. Here it is:

The Namesake
Five People You Meet in Heaven
Snow Falling on Cedars
A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose
On Chisel Beach
The Magician's Assistant
The Other Boylen Girl
Bel Canto
Nineteen Minutes
Traveling Mercies
Ask Again Later
A Thousand Splendid Suns
Twilight
Eclipse
New Moon
Breaking Dawn

I was disappointed with On Chisel Beach and Snow Falling On Cedars was REALLY slow! Other than that, I enjoyed each of the other reads - I really couldn't pick an absolute favorite. I think every single book, good, bad or medicore offers something we can learn from.

What about you, did you read as much as you wanted to this year? What was your favorite book? How about your least favorite? Have you read any of the books from my list?

My Goals for 2009

2009-01-05T06:39:00.000-08:00

I have read so many posts about resolutions. Should you make them? Are they a waste of time? After much pondering, I decided that it is important to have goals in my life. Without goals, how do we know what to aim for? So for me, setting a goal, whether I make it or just make a good attempt is necessary:

I would like to live a healthier lifestyle including nutritious eating and becoming more physically active, clear out the clutter in my home and in my mind, save some money, spend more quality time with my kids, create a date night with my husband and do at least one thing a day, no matter how small, for myself.

Ok, I feel better now! Did you set goals for yourself or not? Let me know!

Happy 2009!!

2009-01-01T05:20:00.000-08:00

Contest Shout Outs!

2008-12-31T04:43:00.000-08:00

Two bloggy anniversaries to shout about: John Deere Mom and Finding Normal are having blog anniversary giveaways. They just so happen to be friends too, which, as we know, is the best gift of all! Go check them out!

Wordless Wednesday: Christmas 2008

2008-12-31T04:39:00.001-08:00

Christmas Dinner Casa de Jaramillo

2008-12-30T04:35:00.000-08:00

This year Chief and I hosted Chritmas dinner, sort of. Grandma Rose and Aunt Jenny cooked at Jenny's place and brought it over. So I got off easy! I made an appetizer and a dessert and provided the table. I opted for no centerpiece and we actually put the food on the table rather than buffet style this year:

I went with traditional Chritmas colors, but I really wanted to do blue and white - maybe next year:

I got these cute placecard holders at Michael's for $.50. I love a bargain!

These glasses were my Grandmother's. She has passed on, and I LOVE them!

Our nephew, Jackson, with his Daddy, Jim.

Jackson with Mommy, Jenny, and teeny baby sister, Caroline (so sweet)!

Grandpa and Grandma Jaramillo here from Florida for the Holidays.

Grandpa Joe, Grandma Rose, Little Chief and Jackson.

I guess that's Cheif's way of coping with all the Holiday stress, geesh, pass the bottle, will ya?

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

2008-12-29T04:58:00.000-08:00

Little Chief loves the tradition of spreading reindeer food on the Lawn the night before Christmas. In case you don't have the recipe, here it is for next year:

In a small ziploc bag or baby food container, mix:
1/4 cup oatmeal
1/4 cup sugar
sprinkle of red or green sugar crystals (for cake decorating)

If you use a baby food jar, you can layer the ingredients for a "sand art" look for a small gift.

Reindeer Poem to go with:

Sprinkle on the lawn at night
The moon will make it sparkle bright
As Santa's reindeer fly and roam
This will guide them to your home.

This year making the reindeer food was an activity at his school party and the poem was printed on mailing labels and put on the outside of the ziploc bag.

Sprinkle Away!

Not a creature was stirring not even a mouse, but a certain Bad Pedro Kitty was drinking Santa's milk, sssshhhh, don't tell Little Chief!

The final picture of the tree waiting for Santa's arrival!

Merry Christmas, Y'all!!

2008-12-25T06:01:00.000-08:00

I hope your day is merry and bright!! Pray for our troops! Much love, Kim!!

Snow Patrol

2008-12-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

Too busy to blog, too ramped to sleep, too tired to exercise, but never too full to eat.

Happy Day, Y'all! Now go get all your work done, hurry up, step away from the keyboard, shoooo!!

Fly By Friday: Cupcake Love

2008-12-19T03:17:00.001-08:00

Today is a Fly By, I have so much going on, I bet you do to. Last night I made 5 dozen cupcakes. Two for Little Chief's school party, two for my work and one for my neighbor whose elderly father passed away yesterday. I thought I'd share some photos before the Friday Race that is my day begins.

Cute Snowmen for the school party, these are chocolate with white icing at LC's request:

Red Velvet with cream cheese icing for my work and neighbor:

How is your friday shaping up? Are you baking up a storm? I love all the recipes on blogs this time of year and I have printed off more than a few of those shared around these parts.

Tasteful Thursday: Baked Cream Cheese

2008-12-18T04:42:00.000-08:00

This is a go-to appetizer I use when someone drops in unexpectantly and a few glasses of wine make us hungry...what? It happens sometimes, ok, maybe a lot. I usually have the ingredients on hand and I got the recipe from my Philadelphia Cream Cheese Cookbook, love, love, love it! I borrowed a photo from the Kraft website, cause I forgot to take a photo the last time I made it, maybe it was the wine!

1 pkg. (4 oz.) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese
1/2 tsp. dill weed
1 egg white, lightly beaten

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Unroll dough on lightly greased baking sheet; press seams together to form 12x4-inch rectangle.

SPRINKLE cream cheese with dill; lightly press dill into cream cheese. Place cream cheese, dill side up, in center of dough. Bring dough up over cream cheese to completely enclose cream cheese; press edges together to seal. Brush with egg white.

BAKE 15 to 18 min. or until lightly browned. Serve with your favorite NABISCO Crackers, French bread slices or cut-up fresh fruit.

Wordless Wednesday: Boy in Waiting (For Baby Sister)

2008-12-17T04:45:00.000-08:00

Everyday Heroes: Tissue Warning

2008-12-16T06:07:00.000-08:00

A high school friend of my family sent the letter that I am posting below. Her son, Kaleb, age 15, died of cancer and she wrote this touching tribute. Every time I hear about this type of loss it takes me back to days that were so hard to endure, I wonder how we ever did. Our own Angel, Amanda, taken from us too soon at only 19, Chief's younger brother, age 35. Days filled with raw emotion and pain like no other. This made me think of how you never know what is going on in a person's life. We have everyday heroes out there struggling to put one foot in front of the other, praying for the energy to get up and take a shower, or the strength to admit to themselves that they will never get another chance on this earth to hug someone they love, see their smile, hear that laughter. Heroes surround us dressed in regular clothes wearing a smile to mask the hardships they have to daily overcome, not enough money to pay the bills, fear of job loss and those who have to spend hours in waiting rooms and still have faith and hope to share. I have met some of those heroes in this forum who inspire me everyday, blogs like Lizzie's, Kori's and Finding Normal to name a few. I just want to remind all of us to be careful with those around you. You have no idea what kind of battle they face and it is the least we can do to help with a kind word, a hug, a smile or a silent prayer. Traveling mercies to Kaleb and a huge battlecry for support for our everyday heroes, you know who you are.

Here is the email written by a mom who is in need of our prayers today: Kaleb's Christmas Party:

Kaleb woke me this morning @ 4am and told me he thought he
> was passing
> away... As I crawled into bed with him, I told him that he
> couldn't
> because today was his party and he was the guest of honor.
> Almost
> immediately he perked up as I spoke about how much he would
> enjoy his
> Christmas and how everyone wanted to see him. The party was
> at 3 pm and
> he just couldn't wait. He continued to ask me what time
> it is and if it
> was time to go yet! by the time three o'clock came he
> sat up and wanted
> to know when we were leaving. By this time we had to
> explain that we
> brought the party to him instead. He opened presents and
> told everyone
> "oh thank you so much" and "sweet"! As
> each guest arrived he greeted
> them with his usual "hey" and big smile... His
> girlfriend was the best
> medicine... He gazed into her eyes as she sat in the
> spotlight, (totally
> embarrassed) and he gently told her how beautiful he
> thought she was...
> He even told her that he could just stare at her all day.
> He was so in
> love... Kaleb told her mother that on Christmas he was
> bringing over
> mistletoe in hopes of their first kiss.
> Kaleb's party was like no other! As he finally drifted
> off all of his
> friends and family were at his bedroom window singing
> christmas
> carols... He continued to tell each of us how much he loved
> us and asked
> us not to cry. He even got that first kiss... By 8:45pm he
> took his
> final breath! Never once did he complain! His only worry
> was for each of
> us that he left behind. What a gift! The party was for
> Kaleb so that he
> could open his gifts for his last Christmas! Everyone came
> with the
> intention of giving but no one knew just how precious of a
> gift they
> would all leave with... I love you my baby! I will miss
> your smile
> forever! Mom

Tag, I'm it!

2008-12-15T13:36:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by John Deere Mom to post 7 random things about myself. I have never been tagged B4, so here it goes:

1. I have really small hands, super small, smaller than my 7-year-old. I keep acrylic nails just to make my hands look bigger.

2. I have freakishly long eyelashes. People think they are fake, like I have time to put on fake lashes every day!! I have even had co-workers try to pull them to see if they would come off. All four of my sons inherited the lashes, go figure!

3. I am a bibliophile.

4. I can't whistle.

5. I once saw President Clinton in Madrid, Spain walking down the sidewalk. There were armored tanks, machine guns and lots of secret service guys everywhere.

6. I was 31 years old the first time I flew on an airplane.

7. I have never been to Disney. :(

I don't have time to tag anyone, because I'm supposed to be working right now!

Saturday Special: Kung Fu Shopping

2008-12-13T05:21:00.000-08:00

Today we are going to visit the local Rec Center where I will get to work on my fitness goals for the upcoming year. I have been feeling terrible and disgusted with myself and I am resolved this year to become healthier. So nothing like a little headstart.

After that, I will be heading out for some final shopping before Christmas. Little Chief and Jackson have been practicing their best Kung Fu Panda moves in the event that I need a little back up!!

Enjoy your day, whatever it might bring!

Tasteful Thursday: Red Rice

2008-12-11T04:54:00.000-08:00

Today my nephew (and new big brother to Caroline), Jackson, will be demonstrating a family favorite, Red Rice, being prepared in a rice cooker. This is a simple side dish that can be doing it's magic in the rice cooker, while you are preparing some other culinary goodness on the stove.

Our ingredient list is short and simple:

Rice/Water according to rice cooker directions: I use two to one - two cups of liquid to one cup of rice - as a rule of thumb. Mostly I rely on that measurement because I can't ever find the dadgum measuring cup that came with the rice cooker. It is lost in the Tupperware cabinet - where no woman would dare to go alone. I digress...
1/2 pkg bacon, chopped
medium onion, chopped
Goya Sazon seasoning pkt.
Salt and Pepper

Sautee bacon and onion in a pan until onions are tender - they start looking opaque -that's the fancy word for "see through" for my Mississippi kin folk.

Have your precious nephew, if you are so lucky, combine rice, water, and salt and pepper in the rice cooker. Also add the bacon and onions once they are done up right.

Now for the secret ingredient. You can find this in the ethnic food isle with Hispanic food stuffs. Put one little envelope in your rice pot.

Lookey there, Aunt Kim, it turned that water red! Jackson is so astute, takes after his Auntie in that regard! Turn on the rice cooker and let the steaming begin. Of course I got busy after these photos trying to keep Jack from tormenting Pedro Kitty and forgot to take a photo of the finished product. But it was um, um, good. Give it a try and tell me what you think.

How about you? Do you like having help in the kitchen or do you prefer to go it alone? I'd love to know!

Wordless Wednesday: Christmas Around Our House

2008-12-10T04:38:00.001-08:00

Party Time

2008-12-09T05:14:00.001-08:00

We went to Chief's office party this past weekend. It was really nice, a dinner cruise on "The Spirit of Norfolk". Now, why a bunch of Navy folk chose to celebrate on board a ship, I'm not so sure, but it was fun just the same. We had great food, some drinks, dancing and there were lots of great door prizes. We won $25 GC to Barnes and Nobles. Not too shabby.

I, of course, could not fit my camera into my teeny little evening bag. Little Chief snapped these photos of me and my Mr. before we embarked upon our cruise, thus explaining why the photos are "shot from below".

Spiderman and Battleships

2008-12-08T04:57:00.000-08:00

Chief was stationed on the USS Wisconsin and I believe it has been one of the highlights of his Naval Career so far. To say he is proud is a huge understatement. The Wisconsin is docked in our new home, Virginia Beach, and has an adjoining museum, The Nauticus. If you are ever in the area, I recommend a visit - both to the Nauticus and to my house where there will surely be good food, good drink and good conversation.

There are numerous interactive displays at the museum as well as live sea animals like small nurse sharks and horseshoe crab that the children may actually pet. There is also an IMAX theater.

We recently took Little Chief and my nephew Skylar to the Nauticus where my friend, Kellie, met us with her son, Jordan. Although, we have been there before, this visit was different because SpiderMan was making an appearance. And as the mother of any little boy would know, this is a BIG DEAL!!

A fun time was had by all. A little too much fun was had by Chief, who can't ever seem to leave the ship in a timely manner. Honey, we were hungry!! But we finally were able to drag him away after a lot of huffing and puffing and "I'm hungry's" went flying around!!

Presenting Caroline Rose

2008-12-05T04:16:00.000-08:00

Sweet Caroline arrived safely to our planet at 1:54 a.m., Dec. 4th, weighing in at 7 lbs, 4 ozs! Mommy, Daddy, Baby and Big Brother Jackson are doing fine. We are grateful for a beautiful, healthy baby girl. My sister-in-law is happy to have it over and she looked so tired last night, poor thing. Chief and I are thrilled to be able to love, snuggle, cuddle and then give her back, hehe!

Chief snuggling his niece:

Little Chief looks amazed at how small she is:

Little Chief is a proud cousin and couldn't stop kissing her:

Wordless Wednesday: A Day at the Park

2008-12-03T04:46:00.000-08:00

Snapshots: Thanksgiving 2008

2008-12-02T04:51:00.001-08:00

A little Thanksgiving Day Art work to greet our guests:

Simple table decor:

Adorable kids:

More art work:

Sister-in-law making gravy:

Chief slaying the turkey:

Light the candles, and we are off:

My brother, sis-in-law and nephew:

Happy, Happy, Happy!!

2008-11-26T09:09:00.001-08:00

My brother and family arrived safely last night after 11:30 p.m. We are going to be so busy the next couple of days, but I will be one photo taking Auntie!! My newest nephew, is a precious love muffin and I could just eat him up.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my wonderful friends in our blog universe. I hope you get to enjoy all the blessings in your life and provide a blessing to someone else along the way. Peace!!

Turkey Day Countdown

2008-11-25T05:04:00.001-08:00

Well, my baby brother (Tony) left his home in Biloxi, Mississippi this morning at 3:30 a.m. to drive up here to Virginia Beach. He and his beautiful wife (Courtney) and two boys are headed here for the holiday and I can't wait!!!! He should be here tonight around the time I get home from work (6:00). That is a long drive with a 9-year-old (Skylar) and a 7-month-old (Deagan). I am sure they will be ready to get out of that car when they arrive!!

I am the oldest of four children and Tony is the youngest and only boy. So his three big sisters have subjected him to all kinds of dressing up over the years. Poor kid! But he has turned into a wonderful man and an amazing father and I couldn't be prouder of his success. And even better, he loves to cook too and is really good at it, so we should have one heck of a good Turkey Day.

Are you getting your menu and ingredients ready for T-day? Are you having overnight guests? Are you eating at home or at someone else's place. Please tell me all about it!!

P.S. The extra room is done!! Clean and ready to house my brother and his family! Yippee, I did it and I'm here to talk about it!! Pictures to come!

The Last Remaining Frontier

2008-11-22T02:21:00.000-08:00

Since our relocation in July, we have been in remodeling limbo. I have repainted, recaulked, cleaned, dissected, redecorated most every room in the house. Well, all except one. My guest room/home office/craft studio. Exactly....how am I going to get all of that into one little room? At the old house we had two extra rooms. One was guest room/office and the other was my craft studio. Well, needless to say, I have been putting off digging into that space and the room has become a catch-all for pretty much anything we don't currently know what to do with. See for yourself:

I know, I am cringing inside seeing the photos! Well, my brother and his lovely wife and two nephews are driving up for Thanksgiving. The are driving about 15 hours from Biloxi. I can hardly wait to see them and their new addition, Deagan Alexander, who has been on this planet for 5 months and Aunt Kim has not even seen the precious bundle in person!! So this weekend, I will be transforming this hot mess into a comfy, cozy sanctuary for my brother. What??? I can do it!! So not much blogging will be going on for me - or anything else for that matter. Check back for the results photos! Have a great weekend!

Pink Candy Favors

2008-11-20T04:53:00.000-08:00

Making candy using molds couldn't be easier and never fails to impress guests. The candy molds and candy melts can be purchased at any number of craft stores in the cake supply aisle. The molds start as low as $1.39 and are reusable. They come in a huge variety of designs. I got the candy melts on sale 2 bags for 5 dollars and they come in an array of colors. One bag of candy melts made over 100 candies. Two things to remember when making candy: #1 - microwave on 50% power, chocolate burns easily. #2 - Chocolate and water don't mix, so don't try to thin it or anything with water, that equals a big mess!! You don't have to have one, but the squeeze bottle is neater and makes things a lot easier.

Melt Chocolate in the microwave in the bottle according to package directions:

Using the squeeze bottle, fill the molds 3/4 way to the top. Pat the molds evenly on counter to spread the chocolate. Stick the mold in the freezer for about 3 minutes. Turn out the choclates. It is that simple.

Aren't they pretty? Don't know if you can see the detail, but there are pacifiers, bottles, rattles, rocking horses, diaper pins and booties.

I packaged these in little tins with a sticker of baby feet on top for favors!

Chicken Salad My Way

2008-11-19T04:50:00.000-08:00

Here is my simple and delicious recipe for Chicken Salad. You can either cook your own chicken, or get a roatissare chicken from the grocery store:

Chicken, cooked and shredded (1.5 to 2 lbs)
Lemon Pepper Seasoning (2 Tablespoons)
Can Crushed Pineappled, drained
Chopped Pecans (1.5 to 2 cups)
Mayo (enough to make the mixture stick)
Squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving

Mix all ingredients and chill overnight. Serve with croissants. Let me know if you love it, I know you will.

Strawberry Daiquri Punch

2008-11-18T04:39:00.000-08:00

Here is my delicious recipe for strawberry daiquri punch that I served at the baby shower. Don't worry, I left out the rum for the mommy to be! Now the ingredients are simple, but the key here is freezing it overnight - if not frozen, it does not taste the same.

Mix together, 1 pkg strawberry Kool-Aid, 1 cup sugar, 1 gallon water, 1 large can pineapple juice, one can frozen lemonade thawed and two pints frozen or fresh strawberries. I mix it direcetly in the punch bowl that I will be using to serve at the event.

Freeze overnight. Thaw 3-4 hours before serving. It is closer to 3 hours if you are using light rum to spike it with. Just pour it over top and it will help melt the punch to slushy consistency. I forgot to take a photo of the end result, but let's just say there was NONE left over.

Baby Shower Yumminess!

2008-11-17T04:41:00.001-08:00

The baby shower for my sister-in-law, Jenny, took place this weekend. It was a lot of work, but she had a great turnout and it was a success. The co-host, Angie, and I made everything ourselves except the veggie tray. Included on the menu were chicken salad croissants, ham and cheese biscuits, spinach dip, veggie tray, meatballs, pesto and sun dried tomato bruschetta, apples w/caramel dipping sauce, chocolate fondue with assorted dippers, chocolate petit fours with rasberry filling - oh and strawberry punch. Everything was DELISH!! Throughout the week I will be posting some recipe tutorials, so come on back and check them out.

So here's the table!

These are the scrumptious petit fours I made, truly a labor of love!

That's me there on the left, my sis-in-law in the middle and the co-host, Angie, who is 6 months pregnant with TWIN BOYS!! I know I look preggers too, but I'm not, just fat!! Where are you Kat with your "no hips" photo rules???? Kat is having an awesome 10 week contest, you better run over there and check it out!! Of course, if I ran over there, I might not need the "no hips" rule, right? I digress.....

For a sweet gift, I bought this photo mat at Target and everyone signed it for the future "Sweet Caroline"!! The baby due date is December 10th, so come back and see copious photos!!!

Troop Love

2008-11-13T08:51:00.001-08:00

When I told y'all about my sweet son, Caleb, going to Iraq before, some of you asked for his mailing address. He called last Sunday and was feeling a little down. He said he feels like a loser when the mail comes and there is nothing for him. :( Poor baby!! Mama sends something about once a week, but I guess he'd like to hear from someone other than me. So if y'all want to spread some bloggy love to a lonely sailor, far from home, please do! We can't forget these young people, it is our duty - just like they are doing their duty!!

HN Jonathan Mothershed
2\10 T Btry
Unit 73363
FPO, AE 09509-3363

Contest Craze!

2008-11-12T04:40:00.000-08:00

Jeannie is having a contest. I don't know about you, but I could stand to shed a few pounds and this happy girl is giving away one of her very own cookbooks with healthy and delicious recipes. Please check it out - and her blog is A-DOR-A-BLE!

Laurie @ Tip Junkie is have an amazing 12 days of Junkie giveaway. The best part is that we will be supporting and promoting women in business!! Please don't miss it!

One more, Rhea is having a Vampire Inspired Giveaway!!

Happy Veterans Day

2008-11-11T04:24:00.000-08:00

Support the ones who have given their time, devotion, energy, blood, sweat, tears and the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, for all of us to enjoy our freedom.

Let Freedom Ring!!

Weekend Bounty

2008-11-10T04:42:00.001-08:00

Look at these gems that I looted when I was thrifting. This is just a prequel for these items. Wait until you see what I have in store for these babies.
Don't you love before and afters shots on blogs? I sure do!

SITS featured Thrifty Decor Chick this weekend and I was very inspired by her ideas. I am so making that monogram wreath AND her laundry room was do DIE for. Please, go on over there and check it out.
Do you like thrifting? What is the best deal you've ever gotten and /or your favorite find?

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

2008-11-08T19:05:00.001-08:00

Or not - but Kat is gearing up for this week's contest: Check it out!

Here are some super cute photos of my niece and nephew in their Halloween gear!
Sara Kate

Jackson Paul

Waiting for Water to Drip

2008-11-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Pedro kitty is growing up. He has gotten a lot bigger in the past few weeks and he is still as sweet as can be. This is what he does in the morning when I am getting ready for work. He sits there staring at the faucet waiting for the water to drip. At first I thought he was just thirsty, but I filled the little birdbath on the counter there with water and he could care less about that! He is steadfast in his focus and has the utmost patience. Maybe I could learn something from my fur baby!

Oh, Bebe'

2008-11-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

I will be hosting a baby shower for my sis-in-law, Jenny, on Nov 15th. I am so excited because I love throwing parties! I mentioned here before that I chose a french theme for the shower. Jenny is having a sweet baby girl to be named Caroline Rose. I am going with a black and white shower with baby pink accents. These baskets I bought at TJ Maxx were my inspiration for the whole thing. Aren't they pretty? Best of all, they were on sale. I bought both baskets for less than $25 total! I know!!!! I can't wait to fill them up with croissants and door prizes.

I was fishing around for some baby shower games and some of you gave me some good ideas. Stay tuned for the photos of the food and fanfare!

Here are photos of the invites I made. We have a lot of friends and family out of town that cannot attend, but me and my friend, Theresa, made 50 invites by hand. They turned out really sweet.

You probably can't see very well, but the little pink dots are pearlescent beads and they are so pretty in person. I was going for understated and elegant, I hope it didn't come off as too plain. What do you think?

2008-11-03T09:28:00.000-08:00

My friend, Kat, is having 10 weeks of giveaways. Yup, you heard me, 10 weekends worth of prizes. The first prize is a doozie, so head on over and check it out.

Halloween Parade

2008-11-01T05:41:00.000-07:00

Grim Reeper!!

Polka Dot Rocker!!

Kids from the Hood!!

Itty Bitty Blue Power Ranger!!!

Daddy trying to freak us out!!

Boo-tiful Halloween

2008-10-31T08:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween, Y'all! Hope everyone young and old has a safe, fun and memorable All Hallows Eve!

Pssssst....Guess Who's Right Next Door?

2008-10-29T05:51:00.000-07:00

Today I came to work and our building was surrounded by a swarm of police cars, vans and bomb squad personnel. Because Barack Obama is right next door!! Scroll down a couple of posts and you will see photos of my Office With a View - well that hotel you see there in photo one and two - is where Barack and his entourage are hanging out right this minute. He held a rally here last night that drew a record crowd of 22 thousand people. Yesterday about lunchtime I noticed people starting to line up - the doors opened at 7 pm and the rally started at 9 pm and folks were staking out their spots nice and early - and let me tell you - baby, it's cold outside. This created a traffic nightware for those of us who would rather watch such events in their sweat pants on a cozy couch with some hot chocolate. My 15 minute commute turned into 45. I am ready for this presidential madness to end. And whatever your political affiliation might be, I wager we can all agree on that - stopping the madness!

Baby Shower Bliss - Got Games??

2008-10-28T06:51:00.000-07:00

In a couple of weeks, I will be hosting a baby shower for my sweet sister-in-law, Jenny. I am so excited and have been collecting my thoughts and ideas for months. See, Jenny is having a little baby girl. Now as a mom to 4 boys, I need some baby girl goodness in my life. Yesterday, I read Lula's post about her Sweet Caroline and I got even more excited, because you see, my new niece will also be named Caroline (Rose). I love how Lula in true southern style incorporated a family sir name as her baby girl's middle name - go read all about it, k?

Any hoo, I have decided on a French theme with black and white and baby pink as the color scheme and matching fancy french food to boot. But the one hitch in my giddy-up is shower games. So who better to turn to than the wealth of blog knowledge out there. I love parties, but I loathe silly party games - I know that sounds like a party pooper, but I just don't like them. I have thrown a lot of parties in my day and seen a myraid of party games, but no ideas I really like. So ladies, gimme some!! Puh-leez, because I already bought the most adorable game prizes!

An Office with a View...Sorta!

2008-10-27T04:17:00.001-07:00

The office building where I work (10th floor) has an amazing view:

Of course, this is the view from my office. Not as spectacular, but it ain't no cubicle either! Thought y'all might enjoy scouting out my new diggs.

Blogging on Empty

2008-10-23T04:56:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy this week that I have been neglecting my blog. This will be my last week of working two jobs, so I am hoping on a little free time.

On another note, my son, Caleb, has officially left for Iraq. I am very sad and I covet your prayers for his safety and the safety of all the brave men and women he serves with. More on this later.

National Bus Drivers' Week

2008-10-20T03:25:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to reward those patient and kind bus driving folks that transport your little treasures back and forth to school.

I DID NOT get caught up on a thing this weekend because I was working and Little Chief had birthday parties and school carnivals to attend. Geesh, throw a girl a bone. I need some rest! :)

Hope you all are having a happy Monday - here's to hoping mine is productive - and yours too!

Flavorful Friday: Bacon Tomato Bites

2008-10-16T17:41:00.000-07:00

I made these bite sized savory morsels for Boss' Day yesterday at my new office. They are simple and delicious.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and coat a mini muffin pan with cooking spray.
Ingredients: 1 can of flaky/layer biscuits
1 large or 2 medium tomatoes
1 jar of real-bacon bacon bits
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup mayo

Mix together diced tomatoes:

Add bacon bits:

Add cheese:

Add mayo:

Mix well:

Seperate each biscuit into three layers. This can be tricky at first, but you will get the hang of it. That little tool is a tart maker from Pampered Chef, if you don't have one, you can use your fingers coated with flower. The tool just makes them look prettier.

Flour your tool before each use:

Shape your bites:

Fill each mini biscuit with the bacon-tomato filling:

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 - 12 minutes. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes. Yummo!

Busy as a Bee

2008-10-15T04:46:00.000-07:00

I have been kinda busy this week getting in the working groove again. I hope to catch up on blogging and get back to some interesting posts this weekend. The blogathon was a hoot. Congrats to all the lucky winners! Wow - SITS was blowing up over there! Happy Hump Day Folks! (I always think that phrase sounds a little vulgar, don't you?) But hey, a little vulgarity in the middle of the week never hurt anyone, right?

SITS Blogathon!!

2008-10-13T16:35:00.000-07:00

Hey y'all!! Today is a super special day in the blogosphere. SITS is having a blogathon with prizes given away every hour. Go here and check it out:

I was lucky enough to literally stumble upon the SITS site the week they were launching and I have visited every single day since then. Being a fairly new blogger, I was unsure of exactly what this blog world was all about. But I lurked a while and then joined right in. Through SITS I discovered Shannon who designed my blog and turned my spot from drab to fab in two days flat. I simply adore my design and have gotten so many compliments.

I have been "introduced" to so many cool, fun, talented, compassionate and funny women through SITS. Women whose ideas, recipes, tips, trials and tribulations inspire me daily. Women like: Kat, Lula, Melissa and Lizzy. I feel like my day is incomplete if I have not checked in on my chicas! Thank you Heather and Tiffany for coming up with and implementing such a saucy little networking tool that has become a popular and ever increasing SITStahood!! Saucy SITStas Rule!

Working 9 to 5 (or er...5:30)

2008-10-13T03:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I join the ranks of the working crowd again today. I am a little nervous and excited to start my job with a private law firm. I have been a paralegal for the Government for the last 3 years, so it hopefully will be a welcome change. I know I will not get as many paid holidays though. I will continue working for Pier One throughout the month of October on the weekends, but I don't think I will have enough family time if I work both jobs for the enitire holiday season.

So wish me luck and I will share with you all how it goes today. Happy Monday, everyone.

Sunday Inspiration Station

2008-10-12T06:39:00.001-07:00

" No mean woman can cook well, for it calls for a generous spirit and a large heart." -Anonymous

Relinquishing the Crown

2008-10-09T23:58:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank those who made my year(ok...day) as Miss America(er...Featured Blogger)one of the most momentous occasions of my life. It is with pride that I look back and recount my glorious adventure. The blog love has enriched my life allowing me to feel more confident in my abilites and my sense of style (demonstrated by the popularity of my blog layout). This experience has restored my faith in humanity and their love of country, kitty cats, Maksum and cake. It is with trepidation that I relinquish my reign as SITS Featured Blogger and pass the crown to today's fortunate contestant.

Teeheehee!

I had an amazing day as featured blogger with over 300 comments from my awesome SITStas. Thank y'all so much! It may take from now till Christmas (with my two jobs and 4 kids), but I will visit each of your blogs in return and thank you personally for stopping by. Come back often. I am planning a giveaway soon for all you sweet love muffins. I am not quite sure what it will be, but let's just say Pier One Employee Discount - that ought to amount to something nice, right?

Tickled Pink

2008-10-09T02:20:00.000-07:00

Good morning, Y'all!!! I am just way to thrilled to be the SITS featured blogger today. Now come on in, make yourself comfy and let's get to know one another. I am fairly new to blogging, only 5 months young. My hubby is an active duty Navy Chief referred to as "Chief" here and our little boy "Little Chief" is 7. I have three older sons that are up and out of the house. My oldest son, Caleb, is also active duty Navy and will be heading off for a second tour in Iraq on October 15th - so prayers are needed.

This must be my lucky week because I am the SITS queen for a day and I got a job yesterday!! I have been looking for a paralegal position since we relocated. So now I went from no jobs to two jobs. I recently started part time at Pier One for holiday help. Sounds like I'm going to be busier than a bee on a honey biscuit.

I am so happy to have you here and I promise to respond to each and every one of you even if it takes a while, cuz my Mama raised me right! Y'all come back now and visit, don't be strangers.

Wordless Wednesday: Some of my Recent Handiwork

2008-10-07T15:49:00.000-07:00

Mourning Maksim

2008-10-07T05:08:00.000-07:00

Just because Misty May Treanor had to go and blow her Achilles tendon, we all have to suffer the loss of Maksim for the rest of the season. I thought you were an Olympian, MMT? Can't you handle a little ballroom boo boo? Life is so unfair.

Maks, I'll miss you, my little Russian stud muffin!

Paperback Swap

2008-10-06T05:30:00.000-07:00

To all my fellow bookies out there, if you don't know about Paperback Swap (PBS), you need to. I have recieved so many books from them and saved a ton of money by doing so. I LOVE books and the ones I really like, I keep forever and ever, amen. But sometimes if the book is a dud, or I get multiple copies, I will post them for swap on PBS. The way it works is you basically recieve books for the price of postage. The site is amazing and keeps track of everything for you. It is very simple to get started too. Sometimes I pick up titles at yard sales and thrift stores that I know will be swappable and trade those as well. If you get a book that is not to your standards, you don't have to accept it and you can put restrictions on the books you are willing to recieve (such as smoke-free environment). I have swapped hundreds of books and have never (knock wood) recieved a bad one. You can also set up buddy lists, swap "boxes of books" (sort of like grab style) and buy credits if you run low. It keeps track of books you've read and books in your TBR (to be read) pile. You are not restricted to paperback books only - there are hardbacks and audio books as well. They have also recently started CD and DVD swap, but I haven't gone that far yet. Oh, and the best part of all, it is FREE! Um-hum, you heard me - won't cost you a dime. Check 'em out!!

TMI about UTI

2008-10-01T04:39:00.000-07:00

Ouch! That's all I can say. I am feeling a little under the weather. It started yesterday when I had to go pee every 2 minutes then quickly escalted to a fire down below when I did go pee. I swear I thought I was going to have to leave a fire hydrant in the bathroom. Then began the nightmare of trying to see a doctor. Since we have recently PCS'd (military lingo for moved our @sses again) we have to register to see a new provider. So I called to take care of that and the Tricare lady kindly told me that the registration involved downloading a form, faxing it and waiting 10 days. OK - so I have a UTI and I need help pronto - like now! So the lady, who barely spoke English and I'm willing to wager was sitting at a computer terminal somewhere in India, suggested I go to an urgent care facility and of course not to forget to call Tricare within 48 hours so not to be charged for said visit to the doc-in-the-box. Maybe the pounding of my kidneys was making me delirious, but wasn't I indeed talking to Tricare at this moment? Thus began the Google search for the nearest urgent care facility because, remember, I am new to the area. Then I hobbled to the car, gingerly took my place behind the wheel and was greeted by the gas light. Oooops, I did forget to gas up, didn't I. I am sure the folks at the gas station thought I was strange pumping gas while laying my head on the trunk. What I really wanted to do was grab my crotch and jump around like a three year old doing the pee pee dance, but I restrained the urge to do so. An hour later I was calling Chief from a parking lot, crying because I had been to not one, not two, but three urgent care facilities who refused to accept Tricare!!! Listen, it takes a lot to make me cry - so Chief knew I must have been near death. I was carrying on and it sounded something like this......"Is this the thanks we get for serving our country and moving all over creation? I can't even see a friggin' doctor?" I don't get sick often, so when I do I admit that I can be a little cranky. Of course, my calm, cool and collected, hubby took control, made some phone calls and found out that I needed to go to the nearest emergency room because most urgent cares are phasing out of Tricare (Thanks a lot, Tricare Lady in the sky!) By then I was too exhausted to go and sit at an emergency room for an indefinite amount of time. I was suddenly plagued with visions of myself writhing in pain on the floor, being overlooked and then going on a mad rampage, on the hunt for antibiotics, taking hostages as I went. In the end I came home, called a family member who is a nurse and proceeded to BEG for antibiotics, I did not have to resort to taking any hostages, but that option is never off the table.

Oh and today is the first day of work at Pier One (my holiday job) they are going to think they hired a real winner when I am running to the bathroom every few minutes - I'll try real hard NOT to do any pee pee dancing.

Cake Love

2008-09-29T04:46:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned that when I grow up I want my own bakery? OK, only every other day, right? This is the cake I decided to bake for this weekend's dinner at our friend's house. It was a hit, thank you Paula Deen. The recipe for this coconut cake is in her "The Lady & Sons, Just Desserts" cookbook. If you don't have that one, go right out and pick it up. The strawberry shortcake recipe is devine, the peach cobbler to die for. You can probably get the recipe from Paula's website or the Food Network as well.

Step one, enlist the help of the best little sous chef in Texas, or Virginia Beach, or wherever your casa may be:

See why he likes being the bake-a-cake helper? Um-hum, Mama didn't raise no fool!

This cake has a filling that you pour over the warm layers, poke holes with the wrong end of a wooden spoon - you better behave yourself or mama might swat you with the right end of that spoon! Not that I have ever done such a thing....

Whenever I make a cake with more than two layers, I stabilize the layers by poking drinking straws, toothpicks or small dowels into the cake to keep it from shifting. All my peeps know to look out for the straws and it has become a tradition that getting the straw in your piece of cake is good luck.

The icing used here is called 7-minute frosting - because you beat the ingredients over boiling water with an electric mixer for 7 minutes, (well, duh). Watch that cord - if you don't have a double boiler, use a bowl over a sauce pan like I did here, don't let the water level touch the bowl, or your icing will be grainy.

Does that look like some fluffy goodness or what? 7-minute frosting is not as hardy as buttercream or royal icing, so it is best used when the cake will all be eaten that same day and when the weather is not too hot outside.

Look at that big, puffy, snowball of lovliness! Want a bite?

T.G.I.F., Military Balls and Pier 1

2008-09-26T06:06:00.000-07:00

It's Friday! Yipee! We are going to a friend's house for dinner and I am in charge of dessert. So I am going to break out my Paula Dean cookbook and savor every page while coming to my delectable dessert decision.

Chief and I are going to the "Khaki Ball" tomorrow night and I am totally underwhelmed by the idea. The idea of chatting up people I've never met and being "sized up" ranks right up there with getting a lollipop stuck in my hair, no fun! I haven't had a mani or pedi in months, I have nothing to wear and I don't even want to get started on my hair root situation. Not working has put a serious dent in my beauty budget - and by serious dent, I mean there is no beauty budget. But as Tim Gunn would say, I'll "make it work".

I got a part time job at Peir 1 Imports for the holidays. I start on Monday. I am really happy about the store discount but when all is said and done I know I will end up owing them money rather making anything by working there.

Have a great weekend, y'all!

Tasteful Thursday: Pintos, Pico and Cornbread

2008-09-25T05:09:00.000-07:00

Look at this bountiful harvest from my own back yard. My sweet sister-in-law, Jenny, makes the best pico-de-gallo. We had it this past weekend while watching the football games. The key to great pico is to use the freshest ingredients. Pico is great with chips and on tacos or nachos, but Chief and I also like to top our beans with it. SO delicious. So yesterday, I cooked up some pinto beans in the crockpot and we had pintos and rice topped with pico-de-gallo and some cornbread (Jenny taught me a secret on the corn bread - and I'll share that with you too.) SO for this super simple pico, here we go:

Dice one medium onion.

Add one or two diced jalapenos to taste - we like it hot!

Add a large diced tomato and some chopped cilantro.

Add salt to taste and the juice of one large lime.

Fiesta in your mouth, I'm telling you!!

Now the cornbread secret, to spruce up that Jiffy mix add one egg and replace the milk with a small container of sour cream. Bake as directed on package and you will get the most moist, smooth textured cornbread - it has a very cake-like consistency. Betcha won't be able to eat just one piece!
Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-24T04:51:00.001-07:00

Vote for Pedro, We Did!

2008-09-23T04:47:00.001-07:00

With this political naughtiness going on, I thought we could lighten up the issue of voting a little. We promised Little Chief a pet when he started kindergarten. Well, this year he started 2nd grade, and still no pet. He will not let us forget that we still have not made good on that promise, trust me, he gives us daily reminders.

So when a classmate was giving away free kittens last week, Little Chief, could barely keep himself from exploding off the school bus after school. He came rushing off the bus with visions of kitty cats in his head. I promised we would go look at the kittys when Chief got home from work. Of course, Chief, pretended to have amnesia when reminded of his promise to procure a pet for our Sweet Angel Baby Boy. But finally we wore him down and he said we would look only with no promise to actually bring one home - of course, I knew that the kitty was a done deal at that point, because how is Daddy going to say no to that begging, pleading, face. Oh, and promises were flying like geese for the winter. LC promised that Daddy and Mommy would never even have to worry about food or water or cleaning the litter box, why we wouldn't even know the kitty was there.

Well, we arrived at the Cat House and there were kittys everywhere, big, little and tweeners too. The lady had a son fittingly named "Bam-Bam" who was nothing short of torturing those cats. His Mamma proceeded to tell us that Bam-Bam had an accident with one of the kittens and let's just say it involved a recliner - LC was horrified and we can't even mention the word recliner around here anymore for fear of another round of upset. So needless to say, we felt it was our duty to give one of those precious felines a warm, fuzzy, home. So we voted on which one, loaded him up and saved him from any further Bam-Bam abuse.

So meet Pedro, Pedro Rodriguez or P-Rod for short. He is precious and fluffy and smart and he sure made one little boy and a couple of grown folks real happy. Cheif pretended not to like him a first, but he was the one bathing him and guess who follows Chief around like a little puppy on a string? Yep, you guessed it, this cute little fella.

Pumpkins on Parade

2008-09-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

My SITSta Tiffany had a precious pumpkin idea to share with us last week and then she asked us all to share our pumpkins creations. It was fun to make these petite pumpkins and I'm still thinking of some great ways to display them.

To see and share your pumkin parade go visit Tiffany.

2008-09-18T06:40:00.001-07:00

I am no doubt about it a SITS girl. If you are not, honey, what are y'all waiting for? I have meet so many friends over there. Their cute little widget is in the side bar over yonder.

Anyway, those saucy girls are trying to go all "Martha Stewart" on us. I love me some Martha. She is one smart, savvy and well.....saucy lady. So hop on over to the SITS site and become bonafide and do something sweet for Heather and Tiff.

If you want to enter your own blog, go over to Miss Martha's here:
http://www.themarthablog.com/2008/09/how-to-create-your-own-blog-let-us-show-you.html#comment-20143

Trying To Be Still

2008-09-16T06:19:00.000-07:00

So....we are now moved to a new home, Chief is back to work and Little Chief back to school and I am unpacking and trying to settle in. I have been a "worker bee" all my life. I got my first job when I was 15 and have been at it ever since. I have had a multitude of jobs over the years; Everything from Karaoke DJ, to managing a retail store, to medical transcriptionist to my job for the last 5 or so years, a paralegal. Thanks to the military you never really get to stay in one place for long, so you take what you can get - job wise. Unfortunately, none of those jobs have been very fulfilling - they paid the bills though. This time I promised myself to try and find a job that I love rather than tolerate. I am finding that easier said than done though. I feel guilty about not contributing to our household income and in one way feel I should go ahead and bite the bullet and apply for another paralegal job and get some money in the house. But on the other hand I feel I should be true to my commitment to myself. I really want to open a cupcakery that sells specialty party favors and has a "party room" for showers and other events. I have wanted to do this for a long time. I have the talent, the creativity and the work ethic, but the economy and basically fear are holding me back. I mean let's face it - it is not the best time to open a small business these days and I do not have the one years worth of savings that is recommended when starting a new biz. BUT the entrepaneureal spirit is what this country is best known for and people start businesses all the time with little or no capital. So I am torn - compromise (again) or hold out and do what I really want to do.

Last night I was conflicted and worried and generally anxious about these decisions. When I laid my head down, I could not sleep for wondering what I am supposed to do. I don't consider myself a religious person, but I am a spiritual person. I felt a still small voice telling me to "Be Still". So I am going to sit here and try not to take control and be still for a little while, even if I am REALLY fidgeting!!

I'm Baaack

2008-09-15T05:52:00.001-07:00

Hey Ya'll! Whew, it has been a while (about 2 months) since I blogged. I have been busy settling in to a new home and getting Little Chief settled into a new school. There are still an alarming amount of boxes to be unpacked. Moving is something, I tell ya! We do love our new diggs and have been so busy with painting, refinishing and all kinds of refurbishing. As soon as I can track down my cable, I will import some photos - that always makes blog entries so much more interesting. Well, I am hoping to catch up on some of your blogs - I have really missed my blog buddies. Have a great day!!

Moving Day

2008-07-15T05:36:00.000-07:00

Today the moving truck comes to load up all our worldly possessions. We will be "camping" here in an empty house for 10 days until the closing on the 25th. Then we are off to our new home of record. The next 10 days should be more fun than I can imagine. :) I might be hit or miss with blogging for the next couple weeks. Tootles!!

Copyrights and Sassypants

2008-07-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

So, the other day I was just reading along and sending comment love back to the sweet folks that had left comments on my blog. I clicked on a commentors link to find my own words from my July 4th post front and center on her blog page as if she had written them all by HER lonesome. Now I am a paralegal and have worked with attorneys for years, and after beginning my blog I asked one of these defenders of the law about copywriting the written word. In true lawyer fashion, I did not get a perfectly straight answer, but here is the jest of what was said. As soon as the words are written they are copyrighted by the writer. If two entities should ever go to court over the rights, the one whose words were the original has to prove they are the original writer of said words. So if it is a very serious manuscript, like the next Great American Novel that I have in the works (hehe), it is best to send it off to the Library of Congress and get an ISBN # - I'll let you reserach that your ownself if you are interested - or mail yourself a copy of the manuscript to get a postmarked date as proof of the original text. Now for us everyday lovers of blogging and sharing and growing in our writing craft it is sufficiant to ask others not to use your words or photos without permission. But some folks don't play nice and do it anyway. You can also put the copyright logo - a c with a circle around it -I hope I can figure out how to do it - following the text and the words all rights reserved by (fill in your lovely name). So for all my blog/writer friends out there who are sharing your personal stories, please protect your words by figuring out how to add that logo (and tell me how to do it too!) :) Obviously, we all know that our words are out there in the public forum and that is really the point, but protect yourselves sweet love muffins.

Back to the other story, I wrote the young lady a nice note stating that I had a disclaimer not to use my words without my permission; and more than likely I would have given my permission had she asked and all would be peachy keen. But it really wasn't all that nice to take my stuff and put it on her blog without even a word of explanation to the whole wide blog world. This is what the little lady wrote back to me (I have removed her name because I'm nice that way, we'll just call her Ms. Sassypants).

As far as you can tell, there's no credit given. But you'd be quite mistaken in thinking you saw my full journal. The way livejournal works is that each post has various viewing settings. Nearly all of mine are viewable to friends only. I don't know if you noticed the timestamp on that particular post, but it was just before midnight, and I forgot to close it to the public. Stamped the following day, credit was given, but as I said, most of my posts are viewable to
friends only. I'm sorry you won't be able to see the proof in that matter because of it.

By the way, if you're so worried about things being taken from your blog, there are ways to make sure your page can't be copied

Now is that sassy or what? That's like saying to your neighbor, you took something that belongs to me out of my yard and I don't appreciate it, and your neighbor says, well, if you put your stuff away, I wouldn't have taken it. Ok, that is so not the point, right? Whatev, I don't have the energy for drama, but that really ticked me off!! Chief and Code-Man were madder than me about the whole thing. They said I was being too nice to Ms. Sasssypants about the whole thing. But I can't be mean, sometimes I need to be, but it is not in my nature. I always want to give the person the benefit of the doubt and hope they really didn't mean it.

Family Fun at Baltimore Orioles Games

2008-07-12T09:11:00.000-07:00

Camden Yards home of the Baltimore Orioles.

Funny Guys!

Code-Man and Little Chief's buddy, Javi.

Cutie Pies!

Little Chief and Daddy Chief.

Little Chief and Javi, tickle, tickle.

Code-Man

Fabulous Five Friday

2008-07-11T06:07:00.000-07:00

Today on the Fab Five I am featuring 5 things that my family does to live green. Little Chief is fanatical about helping the Earth, they teach on it heavily at school and he is true blue dedicated to the cause. We recently learned that the peach orchard were we buy our produce around the corner has sold the farm and they will begin to construct townhomes very soon. Apparently the farmer's 4 daugthers do not want to continue in the farming business. Their father recently had a heart attack and can't do the work anymore. When we found out from a neighbor, Little Chief was devastated, literally. He cried and carried on and said "can't we do something to stop this!" He is a little on the dramatic side, don't know where on the green earth he gets that from! Anywho, here goes:

We recycle, duh:

We compost:

This little compost bucket is the bomb! You can buy bags that actually decompose so you can fill it up with compost material as you are cooking and then throw the whole kit and kaboodle in the compost pile. I love, love, love it. And so do the kids since they are the ones I really make do the dirty work. :) You can get one too here.
http://www.biobag.no/.

We use these babies:

And these energy savers:

And last but not least, we donate all our junk mail, old magazines, flyers, school papers to Little Chief's school. They have a dumpster set up and it earns the school much needed cash at the same time:

Have a green day, people!! Even if you use just one less napkin or paper towel, it helps.

Thursday To Go

2008-07-10T05:45:00.000-07:00

I have a ton to do today, but I’m posting a recipe that we love and it is easy and fast. This is not my original recipe.

Bruschetta Chicken Bake

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 pkg Stove Top Stuffing Mix for Chicken
½ cup water
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tsp dried basil leaves
1 c Kraft shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place tomatoes in medium bowl. Add stuffing mix, water, garlic; just stir until stuffing mix is moistened. Set aside.

Place chicken in a 13x9 baking dish; sprinkle with basil and cheese. Top with stuffing mixture.

Bake 30 min or until chicken is cooked through.