Well here I am at PGN, mini golf, arcade & indoor playground. I tried, obviously unsucessfully, to get out of having to come here.
Maybe you are thinking, Victoria don't you enjoy spending time with your children? Of course I do! Well mostly I do. The begging for tokens and French fries I can do without---and the piercing screams of preschoolers not wanting to leave.
It's still too cold outside to believe that Spring is here. I heard the weatherman say no above average temps are in our future for at least the next two weeks. Then I threw out the radio. No not really---did turn it off though.
Just told Patrick I am going to keep track of how many times he tells me he is hungry or asks why we can't get food from here and when he gets to 10 we are leaving. So far the count is 4.
*****
Yesterday I was on thesookieverse.com and saw that Charlaine Harris author of the books I was talking about yesterday, is doing a book tour and found she is coming to Chicagoland. Yippee!!! I'm going to get the new book Dead Reckoning signed! Also saw there is an excerpt of the new book (release date 5/3/11) on the publishers website (penguin) It's the whole chapter 3. Oooo ahhh love it!
Here is Patrick now...I'm ready for whining about nachos...
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Cold Cold Spring Break
Alright, I need to take a moment and complain about the weather. That's what we do here in Chicago. Forecast is in the 30Fs all week. Being that I could spend all winter huddled in bed reading books and sleeping, this weather isn't conducive to me changing out of fleecy pjs.
The children however, need to get out and should have some activities going on during their week break from school. In retrospect, I should have seen about going down to GA to visit my family. That would have been fun for the kids and refreshing for me. Temps in N. Georgia this week, well shoot the weather isn't very good there either. Well back to our Spring Break here. Since I know how I am about going out doing stuff in the cold, I talked with the kids and planned an activity a day for Mon-Thurs knowing that their nagging would get us out of the house. Today's activity is a trip to the library--nice free activity.
What am I reading now? After re-reading Club Dead over the weekend, I want to dive into re-reading Dead to The World as I go through the Southern Vampire Mystery/Sookie Stackhouse Novels on my personal countdown to book #11, Dead Reckoning which will be out on 5/3. Nod, yes, you are correct I am way to into the series--and a total Sookie/Eric shipper. Much to my current dismay, Dead to the World is checked out of my library. Boo. Now I have to wait.
What's for dinner? I've been meal planning and it should be Garlic Roasted Chicken with mashed potatoes and green breans. But since we weren't home last night--we didn't have Sunday's dinner of pizza set-ups from S&T's--so it's Pizza Monday.
I've held out as long as I could and now the natives are running around outside yelling and chasing each other, time to head out to the library.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Talk about Mondays
I have been working on having systems and routines to get my life and our household more organized. So for example, we have a electronics ban from after school until 5pm daily. The kids come home and we get right to a snack and homework. Another one was to start a bath or shower) schedule. (Tues, Thurs & Sat) now there is way less drama from Bryce on the horrors of having to take a bath.
I was feeling pretty good about the schedule, feeling like I was on top of things. Then Patrick walked up the front steps today after school, and he was wearing his Phineas & Ferb PJ bottoms.
Yep that's right. He went to school wearing his pajama pants because he forgot to change them this morning. All day in the pj bottoms in the 5th grade. Oh I feel bad. I know it's not my fault really, he is quite old enough to manage to put on clothes and go to school. He remembered his lunch and forgot to change his pants.
I still feel bad because I didn't notice this morning!
I was feeling pretty good about the schedule, feeling like I was on top of things. Then Patrick walked up the front steps today after school, and he was wearing his Phineas & Ferb PJ bottoms.
Yep that's right. He went to school wearing his pajama pants because he forgot to change them this morning. All day in the pj bottoms in the 5th grade. Oh I feel bad. I know it's not my fault really, he is quite old enough to manage to put on clothes and go to school. He remembered his lunch and forgot to change his pants.
I still feel bad because I didn't notice this morning!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Sometimes living in Illinois just blows.
As if the crappy winters weren't enough, and the higher property taxes/lower property values AND the increase on state income tax from 3.5% to 5%...now this...
Hello,
For well over a decade, the Amazon Associates Program has worked with thousands of Illinois residents. Unfortunately, a new state tax law signed by Governor Quinn compels us to terminate this program for Illinois-based participants. It specifically imposes the collection of taxes from consumers on sales by online retailers - including but not limited to those referred by Illinois-based affiliates like you - even if those retailers have no physical presence in the state.
We had opposed this new tax law because it is unconstitutional and counterproductive. It was supported by national retailing chains, most of which are based outside Illinois, that seek to harm the affiliate advertising programs of their competitors. Similar legislation in other states has led to job and income losses, and little, if any, new tax revenue. We deeply regret that its enactment forces this action.
As a result of the new law, contracts with all Illinois affiliates of the Amazon Associates Program will be terminated and those Illinois residents will no longer receive advertising fees for sales referred to Amazon.com, Endless.com, or SmallParts.com. Please be assured that all qualifying advertising fees earned prior to April 15, 2011 will be processed and paid in full in accordance with the regular payment schedule. Based on your account closure date of April 15, 2011, any final payments will be paid by July 1, 2011.
You are receiving this email because our records indicate that you are a resident of Illinois. If you are not currently a permanent resident of Illinois, or if you are relocating to another state in the near future, you can manage the details of your Associates account here. And if you relocate to another state after April 15, please contact us for reinstatement into the Amazon Associates Program.
To be clear, this development will only impact our ability to continue the Associates Program in Illinois, and will not affect the ability of Illinois residents to purchase online at www.amazon.com from Amazon’s retail business.
We have enjoyed working with you and other Illinois-based participants in the Amazon Associates Program and, if this situation is rectified, would very much welcome the opportunity to re-open our Associates Program to Illinois residents.
Regards,
The Amazon Associates Team
Hello,
For well over a decade, the Amazon Associates Program has worked with thousands of Illinois residents. Unfortunately, a new state tax law signed by Governor Quinn compels us to terminate this program for Illinois-based participants. It specifically imposes the collection of taxes from consumers on sales by online retailers - including but not limited to those referred by Illinois-based affiliates like you - even if those retailers have no physical presence in the state.
We had opposed this new tax law because it is unconstitutional and counterproductive. It was supported by national retailing chains, most of which are based outside Illinois, that seek to harm the affiliate advertising programs of their competitors. Similar legislation in other states has led to job and income losses, and little, if any, new tax revenue. We deeply regret that its enactment forces this action.
As a result of the new law, contracts with all Illinois affiliates of the Amazon Associates Program will be terminated and those Illinois residents will no longer receive advertising fees for sales referred to Amazon.com, Endless.com, or SmallParts.com. Please be assured that all qualifying advertising fees earned prior to April 15, 2011 will be processed and paid in full in accordance with the regular payment schedule. Based on your account closure date of April 15, 2011, any final payments will be paid by July 1, 2011.
You are receiving this email because our records indicate that you are a resident of Illinois. If you are not currently a permanent resident of Illinois, or if you are relocating to another state in the near future, you can manage the details of your Associates account here. And if you relocate to another state after April 15, please contact us for reinstatement into the Amazon Associates Program.
To be clear, this development will only impact our ability to continue the Associates Program in Illinois, and will not affect the ability of Illinois residents to purchase online at www.amazon.com from Amazon’s retail business.
We have enjoyed working with you and other Illinois-based participants in the Amazon Associates Program and, if this situation is rectified, would very much welcome the opportunity to re-open our Associates Program to Illinois residents.
Regards,
The Amazon Associates Team
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Fat Tuesday
And so today is Fat Tuesday, and around Chicagoland it is all about the paczkis. Paczkis are not pronounced like it looks. According to Wikipedia it is pronounced paunch-key. But I've also hear it pronounced more like punt-key. In any case, it's big jelly or custard filled doughnuts people eat on Fat Thursday (thurs b/4 lent) or Fat Tuesday (day b/4 Ash Wed.). Cept here in Chicagoland people eat them on both days because, hey who wants to turn down the opportunity to have a nice big filled doughnut, right?
Personally I've never had one, I don't like filling in my doughnuts. Instead to celebrate Fat Tuesday, I gave in to my chocolate craving and bought chocolate easter eggs. Yum.
We have to pick Tom up from the airport tonight, he is on his way home from NYC. Last week when we were talking about him going out of town it seemed like a fine idea to pick him up from the airport vrs. having a cab bring him home. Now that the time is here, I really don't want to go to the airport, and there is no gas in the car. So I have to stop and get gas b/4 going to the airport. Blah.
Am I going to fill the tank up? Oh no, I can't deal with putting more than $20-25 in the gas tank at a time. I would cry to see how much it costs to fill it up, at least we get good gas mileage. Still would have been better to encourage Tom to take a cab, it's cold outside.
Personally I've never had one, I don't like filling in my doughnuts. Instead to celebrate Fat Tuesday, I gave in to my chocolate craving and bought chocolate easter eggs. Yum.
We have to pick Tom up from the airport tonight, he is on his way home from NYC. Last week when we were talking about him going out of town it seemed like a fine idea to pick him up from the airport vrs. having a cab bring him home. Now that the time is here, I really don't want to go to the airport, and there is no gas in the car. So I have to stop and get gas b/4 going to the airport. Blah.
Am I going to fill the tank up? Oh no, I can't deal with putting more than $20-25 in the gas tank at a time. I would cry to see how much it costs to fill it up, at least we get good gas mileage. Still would have been better to encourage Tom to take a cab, it's cold outside.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Pulaski Day
Here in the Chicagoland Area, kids get Casmir Pulaski day off school. Who is C. Pulaski, he is a polish Revolutionary War hero. Im sure you can find out more about that on wiki. So now thanks to a 3-day weekend, all 3 of the kids have declared that they don't want to go back to school. *Sigh* this will make tommorrow morning a bit harder. Even Anna is on the No School Forever bandwagon, which is a suprise b/cause she loves her teacher and wants to be a teacher. I better go reminder her of that...
And speaking of Anna here is a little something she wrote at school.
I wish it would rain kittens.
I would grab one and take care of it.
I would buy a leash.
I would buy food.
I would take him for a walk.
Too funny I don't know if she thinks people take cats for walks or if she started writing got distracted and switch her thoughts from having a kitten to having a puppy.
I'm voting for neither. Too much to clean up around here already.
This recipe popped up on my facebook news feed from Food & Wine Magazine, so I am just about to go make it. It's a crummy late winter day here, one with gloomy skies and cold temps. This recipe pairs well with this weather.
Winter-Vegetable Shepherd's Pie
2 lbs baking potatoes (about 4 potatoes) peeled and cut into large pieces
1 1/2 tsp Seasoned Salt
1 cup heavy cream (I don't have any of that so I will improvise)
6 tbsp butter
2 large onions, sliced
1 tsp Garlic Garlic or 1 clove garlic, minced
4 cups sliced mixed winter vegetables such as celery, turnips, brussel sprouts, parsnips, fennel, cabbage or celery root.
2 carrots, sliced
1/4 tsp dried thyme...I think I am going to put in a wee bit of rosemary.
3 cups chix broth or veggie broth
Directions
1.Put the potatoes in a medium saucepan of salted water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and put them back into the saucepan along with 1 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper. Mash the potatoes over very low heat, gradually incorporating the cream and 4 tablespoons of the butter. Cover and set aside.
*Like I said I don't have any cream on hand, I'll use some milk.
2.Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over moderately low heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the sliced mixed vegetables, carrots, thyme, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Mix well.
* I am going to use the Tastefully Simple Roasted Garlic Infused Oil instead of butter to sautee.
3.Stir in the broth and bring to a simmer. Cook over moderate heat, covered, until the vegetables start to soften, 5 to 10 minutes. Uncover, increase the heat to moderately high, and cook until the vegetables are tender and almost no liquid remains in the pan, about 10 minutes longer.
4.Heat the broiler. Transfer the vegetables to a 9-inch pie plate, spread the potatoes over the top, and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
.
And speaking of Anna here is a little something she wrote at school.
I wish it would rain kittens.
I would grab one and take care of it.
I would buy a leash.
I would buy food.
I would take him for a walk.
Too funny I don't know if she thinks people take cats for walks or if she started writing got distracted and switch her thoughts from having a kitten to having a puppy.
I'm voting for neither. Too much to clean up around here already.
This recipe popped up on my facebook news feed from Food & Wine Magazine, so I am just about to go make it. It's a crummy late winter day here, one with gloomy skies and cold temps. This recipe pairs well with this weather.
Winter-Vegetable Shepherd's Pie
2 lbs baking potatoes (about 4 potatoes) peeled and cut into large pieces
1 1/2 tsp Seasoned Salt
1 cup heavy cream (I don't have any of that so I will improvise)
6 tbsp butter
2 large onions, sliced
1 tsp Garlic Garlic or 1 clove garlic, minced
4 cups sliced mixed winter vegetables such as celery, turnips, brussel sprouts, parsnips, fennel, cabbage or celery root.
2 carrots, sliced
1/4 tsp dried thyme...I think I am going to put in a wee bit of rosemary.
3 cups chix broth or veggie broth
Directions
1.Put the potatoes in a medium saucepan of salted water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and put them back into the saucepan along with 1 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper. Mash the potatoes over very low heat, gradually incorporating the cream and 4 tablespoons of the butter. Cover and set aside.
*Like I said I don't have any cream on hand, I'll use some milk.
2.Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over moderately low heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the sliced mixed vegetables, carrots, thyme, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Mix well.
* I am going to use the Tastefully Simple Roasted Garlic Infused Oil instead of butter to sautee.
3.Stir in the broth and bring to a simmer. Cook over moderate heat, covered, until the vegetables start to soften, 5 to 10 minutes. Uncover, increase the heat to moderately high, and cook until the vegetables are tender and almost no liquid remains in the pan, about 10 minutes longer.
4.Heat the broiler. Transfer the vegetables to a 9-inch pie plate, spread the potatoes over the top, and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
What's new?
Woo hoo, February is over! Meterogical Spring is here! Okay so it is going snow and ice for the next 10 days or so, but at least February is over. I saw this on the rightathome.com website and thought it was a good idea, so I wanted to share:
Magically Self-Sorting Socks
When the whole family has socks in the same load of laundry, trying to find matching pairs takes forever. Instead, get each family member a different color mesh laundry bag suitable for the washer and dryer. When socks need laundering, each person places both light and dark socks together in his or her own bag. No need to separate them because when you toss the bags into the washer, an added Shout® Color Catcher® sheet will absorb any dyes in the water. When the socks are dry, return the bags to their original owners for sorting.
___
A mesh laundry bag for socks who would have thought!
*** March 1st is not only the start of Meterological Spring but also the start of the new Tastefully Simple Spring Line ! Tonight I used some of the new products in Chicken Enchiladas. I took refried beans and mixed them with some of the Simply Southwest Seasoning & Rub (can't wait to try that on grilled chicken!). I added some cooked chicken , diced red bell pepper and onion. Put that in tortillas, dolloped on the Vine Ripened Salsa and rolled them up for Tom's mozarella topped enchiladas. For mine I added a couple tbsp of prepared with cream cheese Hoppin Jalapeno & Bacon Dip and then over the top I pour my new favorite Tastefully Simple Sauce the Ole Ole Fiesta Sauce . Pop that in the oven and 1/2 hour later dinner is served and it's even better than the Enchiladas I could go get from Pepes Restaurant.
Another bonus to Chicken Enchiladas is it's so easy to make plenty for dinner and have enough left over for lunch too. So that's what for lunch 2morrow.
What's for dinner tomorrow? I'm not sure yet.
Magically Self-Sorting Socks
When the whole family has socks in the same load of laundry, trying to find matching pairs takes forever. Instead, get each family member a different color mesh laundry bag suitable for the washer and dryer. When socks need laundering, each person places both light and dark socks together in his or her own bag. No need to separate them because when you toss the bags into the washer, an added Shout® Color Catcher® sheet will absorb any dyes in the water. When the socks are dry, return the bags to their original owners for sorting.
___
A mesh laundry bag for socks who would have thought!
*** March 1st is not only the start of Meterological Spring but also the start of the new Tastefully Simple Spring Line ! Tonight I used some of the new products in Chicken Enchiladas. I took refried beans and mixed them with some of the Simply Southwest Seasoning & Rub (can't wait to try that on grilled chicken!). I added some cooked chicken , diced red bell pepper and onion. Put that in tortillas, dolloped on the Vine Ripened Salsa and rolled them up for Tom's mozarella topped enchiladas. For mine I added a couple tbsp of prepared with cream cheese Hoppin Jalapeno & Bacon Dip and then over the top I pour my new favorite Tastefully Simple Sauce the Ole Ole Fiesta Sauce . Pop that in the oven and 1/2 hour later dinner is served and it's even better than the Enchiladas I could go get from Pepes Restaurant.
Another bonus to Chicken Enchiladas is it's so easy to make plenty for dinner and have enough left over for lunch too. So that's what for lunch 2morrow.
What's for dinner tomorrow? I'm not sure yet.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Shamrock Shake Time.
Another sure sign of spring! Patrick informed me about 10 times before breakfast the other day that he'd heard of their return. Then everyone wanted to run down to the McDonalds and get a shake stat. Fortunately I was able to remind Bryce and Anna that they don't even like them before we got to the drive-thru. But wait there is more, we actually got our order right, the Shamrock Shake was plain.
I don't know why McDonalds decided they need to add whipped cream and a cherry on top of their shakes. Totally overkill. I bet there is an easy way I could make Shamrock Shakes at home now that I think about it...
Thinking about frosty treats reminds me that in a week, Bryce's Diorama of a Tundra Habitat is due. Ugh I am not a fan of projects that need my assistance to get done. And the tundra? Ugh what should it even look like? A mound of cottonballs is not likely to cut it.
I don't know why McDonalds decided they need to add whipped cream and a cherry on top of their shakes. Totally overkill. I bet there is an easy way I could make Shamrock Shakes at home now that I think about it...
Thinking about frosty treats reminds me that in a week, Bryce's Diorama of a Tundra Habitat is due. Ugh I am not a fan of projects that need my assistance to get done. And the tundra? Ugh what should it even look like? A mound of cottonballs is not likely to cut it.
Have kids? Need a smile?
If you have kids and you need a smile, go get the game Just Dance or Just Dance II for Wii. It is so funny to watch them dance their little butts off. You know, now that I think about it, it's funny to watch kids of all ages dance their butts off, so if you need a smile get Just Dance today!
Tonight was my Italian Feast & Wine Pairings Open House, thanks to those who came! And for those who didn't make it...
1. What about hosting your own Tastefully Simple Party? Fiesta time is coming March 1st!
2. Below is the menu w/recipes for what I made--and it's was all simple and very tasty!
3. Im having a a Fiesta Freebie Friday April 1st. For this open house I'll have recipes from our Simple Starters recipe booklet, Slush Buckets and Coupon Swapping!
Amy's Amazing Artichoke Mushrooms Paired With Pinot Noir
Submitted by Amy Freund (PA)
Ingredients
1 packet Artichoke & Spinach Warm Dip Mix
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
8 oz. softened cream cheese
8 oz. jar artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
2 (8 oz.) packages fresh mushrooms, cleaned and stemmed
Directions
Combine first 4 ingredients and mix well. Arrange mushrooms, rounded side down, on greased baking pan. Mound filling in mushrooms, press to compact slightly. Bake mushrooms at 350° until tender and filling begins to brown, about 15-20 minutes. Serve hot. Makes 6-8 servings.
*NOTE: Jewel had a sale on wonton wrappers so since this recipe makes a ton of the filling I made about 2 dozen appetizers w/the filling in wonton wrappers. (baked at 425 for 10min)
Salad:
Panzanella Bread Salad Paired with Pinot Grigio
Submitted by Rosemary (MN) HQ Resident Chef
Ingredients
2 large tomatoes, cut into chunks
3/4 cup chopped cucumber
1/4 cup sliced red onion
6 cups (about 1/2 lb.) day-old crusty peasant-style bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup Balsamic & Basil Dipping Oil
Seasoned Salt
Shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions
Combine first 5 ingredients in a large serving bowl; toss to blend. Season with Seasoned Salt to taste; garnish with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately. Makes 6-8 servings.
*NOTE: I had a small head of butter lettuce from my Timber Creek Farms Organics delivery so I put lettuce in the salad.
Entrée:
Baked Pesto Rigatoni paired with Cabernet Sauvignon
Submitted by Rosemary (MN) HQ Resident Chef
Ingredients
1/2 lb. ground beef
3 Tbsp. Dried Tomato & Garlic Pesto Mix
28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
8 oz. prepared rigatoni pasta
8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
Italian Garlic Bread Seasoning
Directions
Brown ground beef in large skillet until no longer pink; drain. Add next 2 ingredients; simmer 20 minutes. Stir prepared hot pasta into hot sauce; pour mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top pasta mixture with shredded cheese and Italian Garlic Bread Seasoning to taste. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until cheese melts and is lightly browned. Makes 2-3 servings.
*NOTE: I doubled this recipe and it makes a TON!
Entrée:
Tuscan Chicken & Artichokes Paired with Sauvignon Blanc
Submitted by Rosemary (MN) HQ Resident Chef
Ingredients:
4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/3 cup Dried Tomato & Garlic Pesto Mix
28 oz. can crushed or diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup white wine (optional)
14.5 oz. can artichoke hearts, drained
Directions:
Combine ingredients in a greased slow cooker. Heat on low 6-8 hours. Serve over angel hair pasta or rice. Makes 4-6 servings
Dessert:
Absolutely Almond Biscotti Paired with Moscato
Submitted by RoxAnn Mannuzza (MN)
Ingredients
Absolutely Almond Pound Cake Mix™
1/2 cup (1 stick) softened butter
2 eggs
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
2 - 3 Tbsp. flour
Directions
Combine AA Cake Mix and butter; blend until crumbly. Add eggs; blend dough with hands if necessary. Stir in white chocolate chips. Knead dough on a floured surface until no longer sticky. Form into two loaves on greased baking sheet; pat dough to 1-inch thickness. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 15 minutes. Cut into 1/2-inch slices; bake an additional 10 minutes. Cool completely. Makes about 24 biscotti.
Victoria Hamel,
Yourtsconsultant@aol.com
708-598-9415
Tonight was my Italian Feast & Wine Pairings Open House, thanks to those who came! And for those who didn't make it...
1. What about hosting your own Tastefully Simple Party? Fiesta time is coming March 1st!
2. Below is the menu w/recipes for what I made--and it's was all simple and very tasty!
3. Im having a a Fiesta Freebie Friday April 1st. For this open house I'll have recipes from our Simple Starters recipe booklet, Slush Buckets and Coupon Swapping!
Amy's Amazing Artichoke Mushrooms Paired With Pinot Noir
Submitted by Amy Freund (PA)
Ingredients
1 packet Artichoke & Spinach Warm Dip Mix
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
8 oz. softened cream cheese
8 oz. jar artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
2 (8 oz.) packages fresh mushrooms, cleaned and stemmed
Directions
Combine first 4 ingredients and mix well. Arrange mushrooms, rounded side down, on greased baking pan. Mound filling in mushrooms, press to compact slightly. Bake mushrooms at 350° until tender and filling begins to brown, about 15-20 minutes. Serve hot. Makes 6-8 servings.
*NOTE: Jewel had a sale on wonton wrappers so since this recipe makes a ton of the filling I made about 2 dozen appetizers w/the filling in wonton wrappers. (baked at 425 for 10min)
Salad:
Panzanella Bread Salad Paired with Pinot Grigio
Submitted by Rosemary (MN) HQ Resident Chef
Ingredients
2 large tomatoes, cut into chunks
3/4 cup chopped cucumber
1/4 cup sliced red onion
6 cups (about 1/2 lb.) day-old crusty peasant-style bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup Balsamic & Basil Dipping Oil
Seasoned Salt
Shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions
Combine first 5 ingredients in a large serving bowl; toss to blend. Season with Seasoned Salt to taste; garnish with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately. Makes 6-8 servings.
*NOTE: I had a small head of butter lettuce from my Timber Creek Farms Organics delivery so I put lettuce in the salad.
Entrée:
Baked Pesto Rigatoni paired with Cabernet Sauvignon
Submitted by Rosemary (MN) HQ Resident Chef
Ingredients
1/2 lb. ground beef
3 Tbsp. Dried Tomato & Garlic Pesto Mix
28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
8 oz. prepared rigatoni pasta
8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
Italian Garlic Bread Seasoning
Directions
Brown ground beef in large skillet until no longer pink; drain. Add next 2 ingredients; simmer 20 minutes. Stir prepared hot pasta into hot sauce; pour mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top pasta mixture with shredded cheese and Italian Garlic Bread Seasoning to taste. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until cheese melts and is lightly browned. Makes 2-3 servings.
*NOTE: I doubled this recipe and it makes a TON!
Entrée:
Tuscan Chicken & Artichokes Paired with Sauvignon Blanc
Submitted by Rosemary (MN) HQ Resident Chef
Ingredients:
4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/3 cup Dried Tomato & Garlic Pesto Mix
28 oz. can crushed or diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup white wine (optional)
14.5 oz. can artichoke hearts, drained
Directions:
Combine ingredients in a greased slow cooker. Heat on low 6-8 hours. Serve over angel hair pasta or rice. Makes 4-6 servings
Dessert:
Absolutely Almond Biscotti Paired with Moscato
Submitted by RoxAnn Mannuzza (MN)
Ingredients
Absolutely Almond Pound Cake Mix™
1/2 cup (1 stick) softened butter
2 eggs
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
2 - 3 Tbsp. flour
Directions
Combine AA Cake Mix and butter; blend until crumbly. Add eggs; blend dough with hands if necessary. Stir in white chocolate chips. Knead dough on a floured surface until no longer sticky. Form into two loaves on greased baking sheet; pat dough to 1-inch thickness. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 15 minutes. Cut into 1/2-inch slices; bake an additional 10 minutes. Cool completely. Makes about 24 biscotti.
Victoria Hamel,
Yourtsconsultant@aol.com
708-598-9415
Looking for a good read?
This weekend I read a fantastic book. Its one of those books where you find yourself a little sad at the end, not because the ending is sad, but because you are going to miss hanging out with the characters. The book is set in Chicago and Las Vegas; which is fun for me since Chicago is my town and I've been to Vegas more than a couple times.
What's the book like? It like a yummy blend of action, history, thriller, and sci fi with just a dash of romance. To even call it romance is not quite fitting. If you liked that book, The Davinci Code, you'll love The Thousand because it is like 1000 times better. :-)
Now my friend K and I read Kevin Gulfoile's first book, Cast of Shadows, and honestly we were worried--how would he be able to follow up on his first book. But he rocked it with this sophmore effort.
What's the book like? It like a yummy blend of action, history, thriller, and sci fi with just a dash of romance. To even call it romance is not quite fitting. If you liked that book, The Davinci Code, you'll love The Thousand because it is like 1000 times better. :-)
Now my friend K and I read Kevin Gulfoile's first book, Cast of Shadows, and honestly we were worried--how would he be able to follow up on his first book. But he rocked it with this sophmore effort.
Friday, February 11, 2011
I always have trouble thinking up titles for posts
Well, is it just me or has this week been a long week? It has certainly been very cold, does cold weather make the day seem longer? I know it makes the Nicor Gas bill bigger. The weather experts are hinting at better weather ahead. I heard the word fifties mentioned. If it hits the 50s, I think we'll see people breaking out their shorts and sandals! Not me though, I am in serious need of a pedicure before any sandals can be worn. My toes are still not the same since the Chicago Marathon back in October.
If you hear the wailing of schoolage children, it's probably mine. Our Cupboards are bare! What can they possibly eat for a a snack after school today! Does this happen often at your house? We *never* have anything to eat here at Casa Hamel. I'm fairly hopeful they will survive this afternoon since my mom sent us Cheryl's Cookies the best cookies every. Ahhh except Girl Scout Cookies of course! Feel free to contact Anna to find out where GS Cookies are available in your area.
Anna's Auntie K is coming over tomorrow night so I am going to pick up this month's wine from Coopershawk Winery in Orland and then I am going to test an entree for my Italian Feast with Tastefully Simple that is coming up a week from Sunday.
Here is what I will be trying out this Saturday:
Baked Pesto Rigatoni
Submitted by Rosemary (MN) HQ Resident Chef
Ingredients
1/2 lb. ground beef
3 Tbsp. Dried Tomato & Garlic Pesto Mix
28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
8 oz. prepared rigatoni pasta
8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
Italian Garlic Bread Seasoning
Directions
Brown ground beef in large skillet until no longer pink; drain. Add next 2 ingredients; simmer 20 minutes. Stir prepared hot pasta into hot sauce; pour mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top pasta mixture with shredded cheese and Italian Garlic Bread Seasoning to taste. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until cheese melts and is lightly browned. Makes 2-3 servings.
****Ooooo I think I found my other entree...and it's a slow cooker recipe!...even better!
Tuscan Chicken & Artichokes
Submitted by Rosemary (MN) HQ Resident Chef
Ingredients
4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/3 cup Dried Tomato & Garlic Pesto Mix
28 oz. can crushed or diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup white wine (optional)
14.5 oz. can artichoke hearts, drained
Directions
Combine ingredients in a greased slow cooker. Heat on low 6-8 hours. Serve over angel hair pasta or rice. Makes 4-6 servings
If you hear the wailing of schoolage children, it's probably mine. Our Cupboards are bare! What can they possibly eat for a a snack after school today! Does this happen often at your house? We *never* have anything to eat here at Casa Hamel. I'm fairly hopeful they will survive this afternoon since my mom sent us Cheryl's Cookies the best cookies every. Ahhh except Girl Scout Cookies of course! Feel free to contact Anna to find out where GS Cookies are available in your area.
Anna's Auntie K is coming over tomorrow night so I am going to pick up this month's wine from Coopershawk Winery in Orland and then I am going to test an entree for my Italian Feast with Tastefully Simple that is coming up a week from Sunday.
Here is what I will be trying out this Saturday:
Baked Pesto Rigatoni
Submitted by Rosemary (MN) HQ Resident Chef
Ingredients
1/2 lb. ground beef
3 Tbsp. Dried Tomato & Garlic Pesto Mix
28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
8 oz. prepared rigatoni pasta
8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
Italian Garlic Bread Seasoning
Directions
Brown ground beef in large skillet until no longer pink; drain. Add next 2 ingredients; simmer 20 minutes. Stir prepared hot pasta into hot sauce; pour mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top pasta mixture with shredded cheese and Italian Garlic Bread Seasoning to taste. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until cheese melts and is lightly browned. Makes 2-3 servings.
****Ooooo I think I found my other entree...and it's a slow cooker recipe!...even better!
Tuscan Chicken & Artichokes
Submitted by Rosemary (MN) HQ Resident Chef
Ingredients
4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/3 cup Dried Tomato & Garlic Pesto Mix
28 oz. can crushed or diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup white wine (optional)
14.5 oz. can artichoke hearts, drained
Directions
Combine ingredients in a greased slow cooker. Heat on low 6-8 hours. Serve over angel hair pasta or rice. Makes 4-6 servings
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Superbowl Sunday
Snowing today. So not cool! Tom is one the phone worrying about his Mom and Dad. His mom just returned from a 4 day stint at the hospital where she had her gallbladder removed and is now on the phone because she feels Tom dad doesn't feel well. Yes things are back to usual.
Over here at our Casa I am looking forward to my Italian Feast & Wine Tasting Tastefully Simple Open House in a couple weeks. This means I have to test recipes. We don't have any wine for tasting, at present, but I did whip up a nice salad dressing with our Sensational Caesar Veggie Dip. So that will be on the menu.
As far as food here is what I made this afternoon:
I took some ground sirloin and cooked that & drained the oil & made:
1 cup prepared Trader Joe's Organic Quinoa, prepared w/chicken stock
Then in a pan I sauteed 1 thinly sliced shallot, 4 garlic cloves minced, & 1 red bell pepper sliced. After a couple mintues of cooking I added 2 diced plum tomatoes, 10 leaves of fresh basil chopped--along with the quinoa and ground beef. It needed some flavor so I added 1 tbsp of the TS Garlic Pepper Seasoning and sprinkled some TS Seasoned Salt.
It's a grey dreary cold day outside. Lucky for me Im not 100% filled with Seasonal Affect Disorder because I had a 2 days shot of dreams of spring and summer tastes at Tastefully Simple on Tour. All the delicious new products are still underwraps. I do think it's safe to say that Im looking forward to Fiestas!!!!!!
And Im so glad that the BLANK and the fBLANK and the awesome BLANK is coming back. It's going to be great. I can't wait!
How many days til spring? 42 more days ahhhhhhh 6 weeks? Hmm where is that darn groundhog???
Over here at our Casa I am looking forward to my Italian Feast & Wine Tasting Tastefully Simple Open House in a couple weeks. This means I have to test recipes. We don't have any wine for tasting, at present, but I did whip up a nice salad dressing with our Sensational Caesar Veggie Dip. So that will be on the menu.
As far as food here is what I made this afternoon:
I took some ground sirloin and cooked that & drained the oil & made:
1 cup prepared Trader Joe's Organic Quinoa, prepared w/chicken stock
Then in a pan I sauteed 1 thinly sliced shallot, 4 garlic cloves minced, & 1 red bell pepper sliced. After a couple mintues of cooking I added 2 diced plum tomatoes, 10 leaves of fresh basil chopped--along with the quinoa and ground beef. It needed some flavor so I added 1 tbsp of the TS Garlic Pepper Seasoning and sprinkled some TS Seasoned Salt.
It's a grey dreary cold day outside. Lucky for me Im not 100% filled with Seasonal Affect Disorder because I had a 2 days shot of dreams of spring and summer tastes at Tastefully Simple on Tour. All the delicious new products are still underwraps. I do think it's safe to say that Im looking forward to Fiestas!!!!!!
And Im so glad that the BLANK and the fBLANK and the awesome BLANK is coming back. It's going to be great. I can't wait!
How many days til spring? 42 more days ahhhhhhh 6 weeks? Hmm where is that darn groundhog???
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Blizzard 2011
I was all set to post some pics from the big blizzard yesterday and the day before, but for whatever reason Blogger isn't in the mood for pics. I'd try and figure out why it's not working but it's 1045 and I'm thinking I'll skip it for now.
It's a funny picture of anna becoming one with snow. I don't know exactly what she was trying to do. I think she was diving into the drift like into a wave at the beach.
Right now it's ridiculously cold and we have a ridiculous amount of snow piled all around everywhere, including where the turn lanes are located for most of the roads around here. All this snow snow snow has me looking very forward to going to the Tastefully Simple On Tour event tomorrow where they will be unveiling the Spring Summer line. You know what that means? Hours of people talking about Sunshine, Vacation, Grilling and Warmth.
Ah I can't wait. Now how long til Spring? 6 weeks and 4 days I believe. Maybe 6 weeks 3 days? In any case, I'll bask in the imagined glow of Sunshine 2morrow.
It's a funny picture of anna becoming one with snow. I don't know exactly what she was trying to do. I think she was diving into the drift like into a wave at the beach.
Right now it's ridiculously cold and we have a ridiculous amount of snow piled all around everywhere, including where the turn lanes are located for most of the roads around here. All this snow snow snow has me looking very forward to going to the Tastefully Simple On Tour event tomorrow where they will be unveiling the Spring Summer line. You know what that means? Hours of people talking about Sunshine, Vacation, Grilling and Warmth.
Ah I can't wait. Now how long til Spring? 6 weeks and 4 days I believe. Maybe 6 weeks 3 days? In any case, I'll bask in the imagined glow of Sunshine 2morrow.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Third Monday in January.
Turns out the 3rd Monday in January is also know as the most depressing day of the year. Shocked?
Ya me neither.
I had the day off work, so I spent the day cooking and cleaning. In retrospect, I should have skipped the cleaning and watched Love Actually. Since watching the Golden Globes last night and seeing Colin Firth win for The King's Speech, Im in the mood for a Colin Firth movie marathon and why not kick it off with Love Actually. Not only does it feature Colin Firth but also Liam Neeson, Hugh Grant AND Professor Snape. Yes I know, it's very strange that I harbor a crush on Professor Snape. But there it is.
And then were do we go from Love Actually ? Pride & Prejudice. Of course. Probably best to watch that a couple times---and then watch the 2005 version with *sigh* Matthew MacFayden. Now that would have been a proper way to spend my day off.
On the food side:
For dinner I had salad topped with shredded chicken cooked in the slow cooker yesterday. I took the chicken breasts and poured Corn & Black Bean Salsa over it and cook it on low all day & then shred the chicken. Then it is good in enchiladas, tacos or on salad. So Chicken Slow Cooked with Corn & Black Bean Salsa (from Tastefully Simple, natch.) on top of salad and then I topped it with light ranch dressing mixed with our Pomegrante Chipotle Sauce. You can't beat the smokey chipotle mixed with cook ranch.
Now in the Slow Cooker is a Spicy Seafood Stew. It's my first try on seafood stew, so I'll have to try it and then let you know if it is worth giving it a go!
Know anyone who needs Girl Scout Cookies? Yes Anna is on a mission to sell 125. I think she is 1/2 way there....
I've got this Spicy Seafood Stew going in the crockpot, let's see how that turns out
Ya me neither.
I had the day off work, so I spent the day cooking and cleaning. In retrospect, I should have skipped the cleaning and watched Love Actually. Since watching the Golden Globes last night and seeing Colin Firth win for The King's Speech, Im in the mood for a Colin Firth movie marathon and why not kick it off with Love Actually. Not only does it feature Colin Firth but also Liam Neeson, Hugh Grant AND Professor Snape. Yes I know, it's very strange that I harbor a crush on Professor Snape. But there it is.
And then were do we go from Love Actually ? Pride & Prejudice. Of course. Probably best to watch that a couple times---and then watch the 2005 version with *sigh* Matthew MacFayden. Now that would have been a proper way to spend my day off.
On the food side:
For dinner I had salad topped with shredded chicken cooked in the slow cooker yesterday. I took the chicken breasts and poured Corn & Black Bean Salsa over it and cook it on low all day & then shred the chicken. Then it is good in enchiladas, tacos or on salad. So Chicken Slow Cooked with Corn & Black Bean Salsa (from Tastefully Simple, natch.) on top of salad and then I topped it with light ranch dressing mixed with our Pomegrante Chipotle Sauce. You can't beat the smokey chipotle mixed with cook ranch.
Now in the Slow Cooker is a Spicy Seafood Stew. It's my first try on seafood stew, so I'll have to try it and then let you know if it is worth giving it a go!
Know anyone who needs Girl Scout Cookies? Yes Anna is on a mission to sell 125. I think she is 1/2 way there....
I've got this Spicy Seafood Stew going in the crockpot, let's see how that turns out
Thursday, January 13, 2011
My goal for my day off.
Today I am off work and as such I have one goal. Not to leave the house. Well except to walk to the busstop. Other than that I'm not going anywhere. Just call me Green, no driving anywhere, no buying anything. Earlier I decided it was a good day for making soup. Chicken Soup. I didn't want Chicken Noodle Soup, just chicken soup with vegetables. So I went over to foodnetwork.com and I search for recipe. After about 10 minutes, I decided that I was wasting time searching for 'the one.' LOL
Here is what I did:
1 tsp Garlic Infused Oil
2 turnips peeled & chopped
1 cup baby carrots chopped
2 red potatoes peeled & chopped
1 parship peeled & chopped.
1 shallot chopped
1 leek sliced
3 stalks of celery chopped.
8 cups chicken broth
1 boneless chicken breast
Heat the tsp of oil in the bottom of your pot, then add the leeks & shallot saute for 2 minutes then add all other veggies & saute stirring frequently for about 6 minutes. Add broth & chicken breast and cook on med low for 1/2 hour. Take out chicken breast & shred it. Taste & add salt/pepper/paprika to taste. Serve hot in bowls.
In a different pot I cooked some brown rice. For dinner I'll put some brown rice in a bowl and pour the soup on top and have Chicken & Rice Soup.
The whole recipe is low fat, low cal, full of lots of veggies. And you could put noodles in it if you want. I didn't feel like it today!
Now it is 4:14pm and the kids are downstairs unwinding after a hard day at school by watching some TV. This is the start of their 4 day weekend. Did you realized it's just about 2 weeks into the new year already?
Next thing you know, it will be Spring. Yep that is what I keep telling myself!
Here is what I did:
1 tsp Garlic Infused Oil
2 turnips peeled & chopped
1 cup baby carrots chopped
2 red potatoes peeled & chopped
1 parship peeled & chopped.
1 shallot chopped
1 leek sliced
3 stalks of celery chopped.
8 cups chicken broth
1 boneless chicken breast
Heat the tsp of oil in the bottom of your pot, then add the leeks & shallot saute for 2 minutes then add all other veggies & saute stirring frequently for about 6 minutes. Add broth & chicken breast and cook on med low for 1/2 hour. Take out chicken breast & shred it. Taste & add salt/pepper/paprika to taste. Serve hot in bowls.
In a different pot I cooked some brown rice. For dinner I'll put some brown rice in a bowl and pour the soup on top and have Chicken & Rice Soup.
The whole recipe is low fat, low cal, full of lots of veggies. And you could put noodles in it if you want. I didn't feel like it today!
Now it is 4:14pm and the kids are downstairs unwinding after a hard day at school by watching some TV. This is the start of their 4 day weekend. Did you realized it's just about 2 weeks into the new year already?
Next thing you know, it will be Spring. Yep that is what I keep telling myself!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Slow Cooker and What the kids are reading
Yes the boys and I are reading the Strange Case of Origami Yoda. They love it. And Patrick is trying unsucessfully to make his own Origami Yoda.
The end of the Jewel-Osco Cookware for a penny with reward stickers was right around the bend, so Sunday night I went and spent my whole paycheck at Jewel. Well, not really the whole thing, it wasn't as if I was at Whole Foods, but I stocked up and earned enough stickers for my grill pan.
Since it was a Sunday and I had time to plan my purchases, I got everything needed to make a slew of Slow Cooker Recipes. Tonight on the menu is Chicken Cacciatore, which is a big fave of 4 of 5 members of our household and honestly, that's as good as it gets. I should start putting a star on the calendar anytime everyone likes dinner simultaneously. I splurged on Butoni whole wheat refrigerated linguini noodles for dinner. I will report back and let you know how that part of the meal goes---since I am too cheap normally to pay for the refrig. pasta.
I have been thinking for a good 2 years about how I would like to put together a Wine Pairing list to go with Tastefully Simple recipes. To that end, I really need to host a night at my house to practice and to get feedback on what I come up with for the pairings. Why am I writing that here? Now I feel more compelled to actually work on getting that together.
Now if you are looking for a good pairing. Try a nice Charles Shaw Merlot or Coopershawk Shiraz with this recipe from http://www.tastefullysimple.com/web/vhamel
Merlot Beef Stew
Submitted by Dodi Kuehl (WI) Modified by me.
Ingredients
2 lbs. cubed boneless top round steak (or chuck roast,it's cheaper)
1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter Just use a tsp of olive oil to brown the meat.
4 medium peeled, sliced carrots
8 quartered small red potatoes
12 sliced mushrooms
1 chopped medium onion
I'd use a sliced parsnip as well --that's how I roll
1/2 cup Merlot Sauce
2 Tbsp. Bacon Bacon™ Shrug I's skip this and throw in a TBSP of Onion Onion (TM)
1 Tbsp. Garlic Garlic™
4 cups beefbroth
Directions
Coat beef with flour.Melt butter in pan; Put Oil in pan heat up the pan and oil just a little then sauté beef in batches (don’t crowd), add butter as needed. Layer carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, onions and beef in slow cooker. Sprinkle Garlic Garlic™ and Bacon Bacon™ over beef. Combine Merlot Sauce with beef broth, pour over slow cooker ingredients. Cover; cook on low for 8 hours. Makes 6-8 servings.
The end of the Jewel-Osco Cookware for a penny with reward stickers was right around the bend, so Sunday night I went and spent my whole paycheck at Jewel. Well, not really the whole thing, it wasn't as if I was at Whole Foods, but I stocked up and earned enough stickers for my grill pan.
Since it was a Sunday and I had time to plan my purchases, I got everything needed to make a slew of Slow Cooker Recipes. Tonight on the menu is Chicken Cacciatore, which is a big fave of 4 of 5 members of our household and honestly, that's as good as it gets. I should start putting a star on the calendar anytime everyone likes dinner simultaneously. I splurged on Butoni whole wheat refrigerated linguini noodles for dinner. I will report back and let you know how that part of the meal goes---since I am too cheap normally to pay for the refrig. pasta.
I have been thinking for a good 2 years about how I would like to put together a Wine Pairing list to go with Tastefully Simple recipes. To that end, I really need to host a night at my house to practice and to get feedback on what I come up with for the pairings. Why am I writing that here? Now I feel more compelled to actually work on getting that together.
Now if you are looking for a good pairing. Try a nice Charles Shaw Merlot or Coopershawk Shiraz with this recipe from http://www.tastefullysimple.com/web/vhamel
Merlot Beef Stew
Submitted by Dodi Kuehl (WI) Modified by me.
Ingredients
2 lbs. cubed boneless top round steak (or chuck roast,it's cheaper)
1/4 cup flour
4 medium peeled, sliced carrots
8 quartered small red potatoes
12 sliced mushrooms
1 chopped medium onion
I'd use a sliced parsnip as well --that's how I roll
1/2 cup Merlot Sauce
1 Tbsp. Garlic Garlic™
4 cups beefbroth
Directions
Coat beef with flour.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
I was starving and really looking forward to my dinner tonight. I tried out a new recipe a slow cooker corn chowder, a healthy recipe. Much to my complete dismay it wasn't very good at all. Such a bummer. Cold crappy weather and bad food. I would like a redo or a big bowl of Creamy Wild Rice Soup OR wait better yet, a big bowl of chocolate ice cream.
And after my most subpar of dinners, Tom has on Frontline's Haiti documentary , I like interesting TV I'm interested in learning more bout the state of the world-- tonight however I'd rather be read a good Urban Fantasy.
Speaking of Urban fantasy, I have figured out how to reduce the unemployment rate. Encourage employers to offer job sharing. I like to share. I'm happy to give 1/2 my job to anyone who'd like it. I'll even throw in access to health insurance-- I have good coverage thru Toms job.
Please leave a comment or write ur congressman if you'd like to share like me!
;-)
Saturday, January 1, 2011
New Year, so well whatcha gonna do?
How was your NYE? The kids were really rowdy so there was lots of
"Stop it"
"Move Over"
"Can't we watch Nick?"
I guess making the kids watch the consistently really bad TV know as Channel 7 in Chicago's local NYE show, wasn't the best way to keep their attention... Tom I go got plenty of laughs out of the show.
The big excitement of my NYE was pre-ordering Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning, I have been re-reading her Fever Series in anticipation of 5th and Final book...she seems to have off'd one of my favorite male characters at the end of Faefever--she better have figured out how he isn't dead in the final book.
Tom is off at Walgreens looking for discounted holiday merchandise we don't need. We are going over to his Aunt's house for a New Year party a bit later. As aways I'll have to say a few times in the car.
"You better eat while we are there, We are not stopping at McDonalds on the way home." Don't even ask.
I don't know why I have to say that whenever we go to a party, there has not been a precedence set that we stop at a fast-food drive thru on the way home from family parties or any parties. Yet somehow, it keeps coming up.
Each year I ask everyone in the family what their resolutions or goals or dreams for the new year are and here are some for 2011.
Patrick: Earn a Homework Pass, Go Bowling, Go on Vacation to the Nick Hotel and Participate in my school's talent show.
Bryce: Take a Lego Class at Moraine Valley in the Summer, Go Camping with Cub Scouts, have a cell phone
*that last one ain't happening!
Anna: Take swimming lessons, be rich, go to the beach and take a gymnastics class. Spend more time with my family and friends.
*LOL like she has a job and doesn't get to spend time with her family.
Tom: Stop Worrying, Exercise more, Avoid white bread, be more positive.
*Id have liked him to put down yell less over trival matters involving the kids.
Me: I wasn't feeling resolutions last night so all I came up with is, Be caught up on our bills. Im sure Bank of Evil --errr I mean Bank of America is all for that goal of mine.
"Stop it"
"Move Over"
"Can't we watch Nick?"
I guess making the kids watch the consistently really bad TV know as Channel 7 in Chicago's local NYE show, wasn't the best way to keep their attention... Tom I go got plenty of laughs out of the show.
The big excitement of my NYE was pre-ordering Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning, I have been re-reading her Fever Series in anticipation of 5th and Final book...she seems to have off'd one of my favorite male characters at the end of Faefever--she better have figured out how he isn't dead in the final book.
Tom is off at Walgreens looking for discounted holiday merchandise we don't need. We are going over to his Aunt's house for a New Year party a bit later. As aways I'll have to say a few times in the car.
"You better eat while we are there, We are not stopping at McDonalds on the way home." Don't even ask.
I don't know why I have to say that whenever we go to a party, there has not been a precedence set that we stop at a fast-food drive thru on the way home from family parties or any parties. Yet somehow, it keeps coming up.
Each year I ask everyone in the family what their resolutions or goals or dreams for the new year are and here are some for 2011.
Patrick: Earn a Homework Pass, Go Bowling, Go on Vacation to the Nick Hotel and Participate in my school's talent show.
Bryce: Take a Lego Class at Moraine Valley in the Summer, Go Camping with Cub Scouts, have a cell phone
*that last one ain't happening!
Anna: Take swimming lessons, be rich, go to the beach and take a gymnastics class. Spend more time with my family and friends.
*LOL like she has a job and doesn't get to spend time with her family.
Tom: Stop Worrying, Exercise more, Avoid white bread, be more positive.
*Id have liked him to put down yell less over trival matters involving the kids.
Me: I wasn't feeling resolutions last night so all I came up with is, Be caught up on our bills. Im sure Bank of Evil --errr I mean Bank of America is all for that goal of mine.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
I'm on my lunch right now at work. How do I like working on a Sunday? Well I don't care for it. I like to sleep late on Sundays and not leave the house.
Did u have a nice Christmas? Mine was OK. The boys were disappointed with the amount of presents the received. Anna had more items to open, and that was a big problem. Of course the money spent was the same for each kid. *Sigh*
Moneywise there was no use of credit cards, and I had mypoints and debit card points I was able to use which stretched the funds--good thing imagine what the disappointment would have been w/o the freebies.
I think I am going to make a quiche with the leftover ham tonight...no idea on the recipe yet for that.
Friday, December 17, 2010
I ordered this book from me to me for Christmas. I would also like cute shoes, a gift card for Modcloth.com and a necklace from Tiffanys. Yes, I know I could purchase knock off Tiffanys. Shrug, don't know why but I like to keep dreaming about the real thing.
News from first grade class Room 8.
The whole class was on yellow. The teacher 'thought' they were all talking in the hallway. Hmm she just though it, really? really Anna? I guess they are all giddy with anticipation of next weeks 3 day week. Listen to this, Monday Gingerbread houses, Tues Class Party, Wed hot cocoa and the Polar Express. How fun is that. I want hot cocoa at work on Wed, I don't even need the movie..
Are you done Xmas shopping? Ya? Not me. Though I don't know if I am going to shop much more. I'm done shopping for Tom, as I mentioned he wants nothing, so that is very easy shopping. Anna wants everything she sees, Bryce just wants legos, and Patrick would be happy with a box of Andes Mints.
I'd like to just give out cash, well if I had some to give out, because I really really really am not a wrapper. I don't like wrapping presents and it shows. My wrapping looks like a 6 year old has done it. Actually Anna is better at wrapping presents.
News from first grade class Room 8.
The whole class was on yellow. The teacher 'thought' they were all talking in the hallway. Hmm she just though it, really? really Anna? I guess they are all giddy with anticipation of next weeks 3 day week. Listen to this, Monday Gingerbread houses, Tues Class Party, Wed hot cocoa and the Polar Express. How fun is that. I want hot cocoa at work on Wed, I don't even need the movie..
Are you done Xmas shopping? Ya? Not me. Though I don't know if I am going to shop much more. I'm done shopping for Tom, as I mentioned he wants nothing, so that is very easy shopping. Anna wants everything she sees, Bryce just wants legos, and Patrick would be happy with a box of Andes Mints.
I'd like to just give out cash, well if I had some to give out, because I really really really am not a wrapper. I don't like wrapping presents and it shows. My wrapping looks like a 6 year old has done it. Actually Anna is better at wrapping presents.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Its like a heat wave
The high for today is 31 F. After the coldness this past week, 31 is a heat wave. Warm enough I am going to go run today. I don't like running in the winter. Given a choice of going out to run and braving the cold, unshoveled sidewalks and patches of ice OR running on a tredmill, I'll take the elements.
Being that it is Thursday, I was getting all giddy about tomorrow being Friday and the whole weekend coming up. And then I remembered, I'm working Saturday. Actually Im done with work 2morrow night at 7:30 and then will be back at work by 7am on Sat. I like the actual work I do, it's interesting and challenging. I personally am just not a fan of leaving my house and going into work. I could take a pass on all that. I think the office we have in the basement is more posh for sure than my cubicle. And the commute would be much better. Overall, it would be better for the Environment, if I could work from home. Really me going to work is a disservice to Mother Earth.
I wonder if I could get Michele Obama to push for more people to work from home, like she is working on childhood obesity? We could have tax incentives for employers and all the work at home people could pledge to snack on healthy fruits and veggies from their kitchens. I think I am on to something here.
Being that it is Thursday, I was getting all giddy about tomorrow being Friday and the whole weekend coming up. And then I remembered, I'm working Saturday. Actually Im done with work 2morrow night at 7:30 and then will be back at work by 7am on Sat. I like the actual work I do, it's interesting and challenging. I personally am just not a fan of leaving my house and going into work. I could take a pass on all that. I think the office we have in the basement is more posh for sure than my cubicle. And the commute would be much better. Overall, it would be better for the Environment, if I could work from home. Really me going to work is a disservice to Mother Earth.
I wonder if I could get Michele Obama to push for more people to work from home, like she is working on childhood obesity? We could have tax incentives for employers and all the work at home people could pledge to snack on healthy fruits and veggies from their kitchens. I think I am on to something here.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Best Cookies Ever
Got the most lovely of gifts recently...Cheryls Cookies. Man they are just the best cookies every. And it's really good that they come individually packaged. That way they are very portable and its much easier for me to not accidently each a bunch at one time. The frosted sugar cookes are my faves...Oh they are so good. You have to try them. There is a link to get a sample pack of 6 for just the shipping of $6.95
Cheryls free sample
Speaking of gifts once again this year Tom has said that he doesn't want me or the kids to get him anything for Christmas because if he wants anything he just goes and buys it. This is such a pain, and no fun. Christmas is about giving and I'd just like to be able to get him a few things for Xmas. I guess he is trying to be helpful, but it's just a killjoy. Maybe I should wrap up some of his existing stuff so he has stuff to open on Christmas. Yep That's what I am going to do!
Cheryls free sample
Speaking of gifts once again this year Tom has said that he doesn't want me or the kids to get him anything for Christmas because if he wants anything he just goes and buys it. This is such a pain, and no fun. Christmas is about giving and I'd just like to be able to get him a few things for Xmas. I guess he is trying to be helpful, but it's just a killjoy. Maybe I should wrap up some of his existing stuff so he has stuff to open on Christmas. Yep That's what I am going to do!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Look Mom Zombie Intestines!
I know it's been ridiculously long since I posted. I meanted to post about 500x in the past 2 months. I even downloaded an app to do blogging via my phone but I can't get it to work w/blogger so much for that.
Yesterday in the wind and snow it was time for my holiday work party. The party is geared toward kids so not only was there a visit from Santa but also a wandering Magician (actually 2) and a balloon lady. While I was getting a plate of food from the buffet. I love brunch, esp where there is bacon and chocolate upon it--while I was off grabbing food the Balloon lady visited the kids.
I sat down to eat my food and Anna was quick to show off her balloon Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. "Look it's Rudolph! Rudolph really looks like a poodle, should I show him to Santa? Sure Anna, you can show him to Santa. No you can't have my bacon...
And then there was much eating, kids playing, raffle prizes and even a DJ. Anna and Bryce were tearing up the dance floor. They also played very nicely with a couple of younger girls that were at our table, which was nice to see them being so well behaved as to be mini babysitters. Gave me warm fuzzies.
And then as we drove out of sight, due to low visibility based on the snow and wind, Patrick pipes up from the back seat. "Okay I still have 10 math problems to do...and my Art Project, " Bryce chimed in with dibs on the Nintendo DS, and Anna had the last word with...
Look Mom my Rudolph came apart! Now it's Zombie Intestines!
Yesterday in the wind and snow it was time for my holiday work party. The party is geared toward kids so not only was there a visit from Santa but also a wandering Magician (actually 2) and a balloon lady. While I was getting a plate of food from the buffet. I love brunch, esp where there is bacon and chocolate upon it--while I was off grabbing food the Balloon lady visited the kids.
I sat down to eat my food and Anna was quick to show off her balloon Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. "Look it's Rudolph! Rudolph really looks like a poodle, should I show him to Santa? Sure Anna, you can show him to Santa. No you can't have my bacon...
And then there was much eating, kids playing, raffle prizes and even a DJ. Anna and Bryce were tearing up the dance floor. They also played very nicely with a couple of younger girls that were at our table, which was nice to see them being so well behaved as to be mini babysitters. Gave me warm fuzzies.
And then as we drove out of sight, due to low visibility based on the snow and wind, Patrick pipes up from the back seat. "Okay I still have 10 math problems to do...and my Art Project, " Bryce chimed in with dibs on the Nintendo DS, and Anna had the last word with...
Look Mom my Rudolph came apart! Now it's Zombie Intestines!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Running Running Running
I picked up this book from a used bookstore because I thought Patrick might like to read it. The main character is a girl, and so he has no interest in reading it. So I'm going to take it to work and read it at lunch. This weekend we didn't have any big plans so I caught up on some work around the house and spent this evening cooking. I made chili, as I like to do on Sundays during football season. Now I'd like to share my recipe; however, I make it differently each week--depending on what I have on hand. For example today it has Peppy Papaya Salsa in it, Wahoo Chili (the only staple in each batch) and some of the Flavors of India Seasoning Salt. Then I chopped up an onion, three stalks of celery, added a lb of ground turkey, one big can of Red Gold Diced Tomatoes and 1 can of great northern beans because that is all I had besides garbonza beans. Next week it may very well be totally different.
Then again no chili next week, as next Sunday is 10/10/10 and that means I'm gonna go run the Chicago Marathon. Now between not having the kids in day camp this summer and going back to work 9/1 I haven't been able to run as much in preparation as I would like for the marathon. Therefore my only goal is to finish the marathon before they close down the race. ( that would be after 6 1/2 hours). My other goal is to be able to walk the next day w/o crying. I can't wind up all super sore for a few days, so if anyone has any advice on how to avoid being sore after the marathon, PLEASE let me know!
I can't believe it is almost time for the marathon, well actually, I can I signed up to run it ages ago.
Then again no chili next week, as next Sunday is 10/10/10 and that means I'm gonna go run the Chicago Marathon. Now between not having the kids in day camp this summer and going back to work 9/1 I haven't been able to run as much in preparation as I would like for the marathon. Therefore my only goal is to finish the marathon before they close down the race. ( that would be after 6 1/2 hours). My other goal is to be able to walk the next day w/o crying. I can't wind up all super sore for a few days, so if anyone has any advice on how to avoid being sore after the marathon, PLEASE let me know!
I can't believe it is almost time for the marathon, well actually, I can I signed up to run it ages ago.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
End of September Already
Went right from work to get Anna from Daisy Scouts then home and then we went over to the Family Night at Bryce school. It was Book Fair night so the library was crowded with lots of kids looking for books. And a few parents. I picked up Ruined: A Novel. It takes place in New Orleans and I love reading stories set in New Orleans.
Im going to say that I think in general, reading is better than doing dishes. So that is why my sink is full of dishes right now. It's a statement not sloth. :-D
It's been really bad allergy weather for me the last few days, but today I 'gutted it out' and didn't take a Zyrtec, it helps with the symptoms but man does it make me spacey. I really should get around to going to an allergist one of these days, right.
Anyway, here is my thought for the day. $100 bucks is the new $20.
Im going to say that I think in general, reading is better than doing dishes. So that is why my sink is full of dishes right now. It's a statement not sloth. :-D
It's been really bad allergy weather for me the last few days, but today I 'gutted it out' and didn't take a Zyrtec, it helps with the symptoms but man does it make me spacey. I really should get around to going to an allergist one of these days, right.
Anyway, here is my thought for the day. $100 bucks is the new $20.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Still looing for 8 days a week.
Yes wouldn't that be nice? work 5 off 3 still have 52 wks in the year, we'd all be younger. Heck it could probably save Social Security, b/cause it would be longer b/4 we hit our 60s, 40s would be the new 60s LOL.
This month has been major time juggling, and I am still waayyy off. I know this will come as no suprise but working out of the house really takes up a lot of time. LOL. And the house doesn't clean itself, much to my dismay neither does the laundry. So really I think I need a wife.
This week I started my getting up early and running plan only to be twarted by Tom's work on day 2 of my getting up early and running. I decided that the best thing to do was to get up and run anyway. So I got up at 530 and ran 3 miles instead of getting up at 530 and running the nice 6 to 8 miles I planned on running.
Basically this week I discovered I have to get up before the dawn, which I am not a fan of, in order to get anything done. This is why women are tired and cranky and have to invest in lots of undereye coverup!
K gotta run off to work now!
This month has been major time juggling, and I am still waayyy off. I know this will come as no suprise but working out of the house really takes up a lot of time. LOL. And the house doesn't clean itself, much to my dismay neither does the laundry. So really I think I need a wife.
This week I started my getting up early and running plan only to be twarted by Tom's work on day 2 of my getting up early and running. I decided that the best thing to do was to get up and run anyway. So I got up at 530 and ran 3 miles instead of getting up at 530 and running the nice 6 to 8 miles I planned on running.
Basically this week I discovered I have to get up before the dawn, which I am not a fan of, in order to get anything done. This is why women are tired and cranky and have to invest in lots of undereye coverup!
K gotta run off to work now!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Golden Winter Soup
Saw Butternut squash at the grocery store and thought that soon it will be time to make my favorite soup ever. I was sure I blogged about it, but I just ran thru my posts and darn it if I couldn't find it. So I looked it up on-line and there is the link for it above. It's super super good. You must try it! From Cooking Light magazine!
I have the ingredients to try some new recipes I took from Food Network Magazine and some old Women's Day and Rachel Ray magazines. Here is the problem, I took out the recipes and put them in a blue file folder. And now I can't find it anywhere. Tom swears he's seen it, but tis no where to be found. Grr. I need the recipes to go with my ingredients! They were all new recipes and I have no clue how to make them w/o the recipes! Ack!
So tomorrow I am going for a long run, I need to get in 10-12 miles for sure, I haven't run since Tues! Good thing I ran 15 miles on Mon and 5 on Tues, never the less, not enough running. It's totally Tom's fault he golfed alllllllllllll day on Sat and golfed until 5pm today.
So then tomorrow much running, some BBQ and then everyone needs to get to bed early b/cause we all have work or school in the AM! I'll be starting week 2 at my new full time job where it is very quiet. And they pay me for my time. Quite different than my time at home rearing children. When you are raising your kids, it's very loud and you don't get paid. You don't get any vacation time either. Oh sure, your spouse may think when the family takes a vacation that you the mother is also having a vacation, but we know better don't we stay at home parents? Yes, a family vacation should be paid at time and a half and you should get PTO (paid time off) for every hour of the vacation!
Never the less, the kids are adjusting well to me working, and they only started crying when I answered the question, so will you be at my halloween party?
No, I won't.
But considering there is 1 of me and 3 of them at 3 different schools all of which have their halloween parties on the same day and time--two of them would be losing out anyway, so at least now they don't have hurt feelings that I didn't 'chose' to come to their party.
Golden Winter Soup Frm Cooking Light Magazine
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
5 cups (1/2-inch) cubed peeled butternut squash (about 1 1/2 pounds)
2 cups (1/2-inch) cubed peeled russet potato (about 12 ounces)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups sliced leek (about 2 medium)
4 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 cup half-and-half
12 ounces baguette, cut into 16 slices
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded Gruyère cheese
3 tablespoons chopped chives
Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
Preparation
Preheat broiler.
Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add squash, potato, salt, and pepper to pan; sauté 3 minutes. Add leek; sauté 1 minute. Stir in broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until potato is tender, stirring occasionally. Place half of potato mixture in a blender. Remove center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure blender lid on blender. Place a clean towel over opening in blender lid (to avoid splatters). Blend until smooth. Pour into a large bowl. Repeat procedure with remaining potato mixture. Stir in half-and-half. Cover and keep warm.
Arrange bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet; sprinkle evenly with cheese. Broil bread slices 2 minutes or until golden. Ladle 1 cup soup into each of 8 bowls; top each serving with about 1 teaspoon chives. Serve 2 bread slices with each serving. Garnish with freshly ground black pepper, if desired.
Wine note: This is one vegetable soup that can easily handle a lighter red wine. Stick with the French theme and look for bargains from Burgundy, like Louis Jadot Pinot Noir 2005 ($20). This wine has pretty red berry fruit, great balance, and gentle tannins that make it ideal for lower-fat dishes. The underlying earthy, leathery flavors bring out the rustic nuances of the potatoes and squash. —Jeffery
I have the ingredients to try some new recipes I took from Food Network Magazine and some old Women's Day and Rachel Ray magazines. Here is the problem, I took out the recipes and put them in a blue file folder. And now I can't find it anywhere. Tom swears he's seen it, but tis no where to be found. Grr. I need the recipes to go with my ingredients! They were all new recipes and I have no clue how to make them w/o the recipes! Ack!
So tomorrow I am going for a long run, I need to get in 10-12 miles for sure, I haven't run since Tues! Good thing I ran 15 miles on Mon and 5 on Tues, never the less, not enough running. It's totally Tom's fault he golfed alllllllllllll day on Sat and golfed until 5pm today.
So then tomorrow much running, some BBQ and then everyone needs to get to bed early b/cause we all have work or school in the AM! I'll be starting week 2 at my new full time job where it is very quiet. And they pay me for my time. Quite different than my time at home rearing children. When you are raising your kids, it's very loud and you don't get paid. You don't get any vacation time either. Oh sure, your spouse may think when the family takes a vacation that you the mother is also having a vacation, but we know better don't we stay at home parents? Yes, a family vacation should be paid at time and a half and you should get PTO (paid time off) for every hour of the vacation!
Never the less, the kids are adjusting well to me working, and they only started crying when I answered the question, so will you be at my halloween party?
No, I won't.
But considering there is 1 of me and 3 of them at 3 different schools all of which have their halloween parties on the same day and time--two of them would be losing out anyway, so at least now they don't have hurt feelings that I didn't 'chose' to come to their party.
Golden Winter Soup Frm Cooking Light Magazine
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
5 cups (1/2-inch) cubed peeled butternut squash (about 1 1/2 pounds)
2 cups (1/2-inch) cubed peeled russet potato (about 12 ounces)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups sliced leek (about 2 medium)
4 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 cup half-and-half
12 ounces baguette, cut into 16 slices
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded Gruyère cheese
3 tablespoons chopped chives
Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
Preparation
Preheat broiler.
Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add squash, potato, salt, and pepper to pan; sauté 3 minutes. Add leek; sauté 1 minute. Stir in broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until potato is tender, stirring occasionally. Place half of potato mixture in a blender. Remove center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure blender lid on blender. Place a clean towel over opening in blender lid (to avoid splatters). Blend until smooth. Pour into a large bowl. Repeat procedure with remaining potato mixture. Stir in half-and-half. Cover and keep warm.
Arrange bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet; sprinkle evenly with cheese. Broil bread slices 2 minutes or until golden. Ladle 1 cup soup into each of 8 bowls; top each serving with about 1 teaspoon chives. Serve 2 bread slices with each serving. Garnish with freshly ground black pepper, if desired.
Wine note: This is one vegetable soup that can easily handle a lighter red wine. Stick with the French theme and look for bargains from Burgundy, like Louis Jadot Pinot Noir 2005 ($20). This wine has pretty red berry fruit, great balance, and gentle tannins that make it ideal for lower-fat dishes. The underlying earthy, leathery flavors bring out the rustic nuances of the potatoes and squash. —Jeffery
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Anniversaries and Birthdays and Weddings
Happy Belated Anniversary to my Parents! They got to celebrate this year in their scenic new hometown of Blairsville, GA.
And Tomorrow is my Favorite Virgo's Bday!
Wait, I just remembered Tom is a Virgo...So Happy Birthday to my second favorite Virgo!
Snap, our friend Rocci's bday makes him a Virgo too.
Alright, Happy Birthday To My Third Favorite Virgo! *chuckle*
**************************
Late Yesterday I received my Fall/Winter Catalogs and the first bottle of Wahoo! Chili I've had in two years. I wept with joy. While it is still August--and def. not Chili Weather, I couldn't help myself and I made Wahoo! Chili in the crockpot. :-D
What I did:
2 tbsp Onion Onion
2 tbsp wahoo chili
1 tsp Garlic Garlic
about 2/3 lb of ground beef cooked and drained
1/2 a big green bell pepper chopped
3 stalks celery chopped
1 28 oz can of stewed plum tomatoes, which I had to chop up b/cause I thought I had diced tomatoes and it turned out I sure didn't!
Put all that in the crockpot til dinner time. Now I like my chili over macaroni noodles and I also love shredded cheddar cheese, but alas, there is no cheese in our house.
There is no cheese, no wine and no chocolate. I know! How am I surviving? Am I dieting? Nope Just need to get to the grocery store.
Here it is simmering in the crockpot
As for Weddings, next Friday Tom and I are invited to an engagment party, downtown somewhere, with Club in the title of the place. So we need to bring a gift, yes? And what is a good engagement party gift?
Shameless Plug, by my Bro's album!
And Tomorrow is my Favorite Virgo's Bday!
 |
| Oh Ah! Such a Handsome Viking Vampire! |
Snap, our friend Rocci's bday makes him a Virgo too.
Alright, Happy Birthday To My Third Favorite Virgo! *chuckle*
**************************
Late Yesterday I received my Fall/Winter Catalogs and the first bottle of Wahoo! Chili I've had in two years. I wept with joy. While it is still August--and def. not Chili Weather, I couldn't help myself and I made Wahoo! Chili in the crockpot. :-D
What I did:
2 tbsp Onion Onion
2 tbsp wahoo chili
1 tsp Garlic Garlic
1/2 a big green bell pepper chopped
3 stalks celery chopped
1 28 oz can of stewed plum tomatoes, which I had to chop up b/cause I thought I had diced tomatoes and it turned out I sure didn't!
Put all that in the crockpot til dinner time. Now I like my chili over macaroni noodles and I also love shredded cheddar cheese, but alas, there is no cheese in our house.
There is no cheese, no wine and no chocolate. I know! How am I surviving? Am I dieting? Nope Just need to get to the grocery store.
Here it is simmering in the crockpot
Shameless Plug, by my Bro's album!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Dinner Talk
Now that school has resumed I'm making more of an effort to have family dinners because they say that family dinners help kids to get better grades and avoid drugs. And because I want a good routine with kids who get enough sleep to learn and behave at school.
Tonights dinner was very interesting. I say how was school today Anna. Anna says, I saw K. on the playground and she said her little brother said the A word.
Patrick says what's the A word?
Anna replies "A*^h(le. "
I foolishly say: what did you say?
Anna says "A*&h)le.
Patrick says what is an A**h*le?
I explain and tell them it is a swear word and a very mean thing to call someone.
Then Anna says and then K. said her sister said the S word.
Bryce says oh I know what that word is, "Stupid" I say that is not a nice word. That isn't the swear word though, if you listen carefully your dad says it too much.
Patrick: "oh you mean Shut it."
Me: No that's just rude, it's not a swear word.
Anna (did I mention this is her 2nd day in 1st grade)says: the s-word is Sh*t.
Patrick, age 10 and a fifth grader says: What is sh*t?
Me: Pooh
Bryce: LOL
And then Bryce said what is a swear word?
I elaborated on inappropriate words and how they shouldn't be used and how grownup say them but they shouldn't. So on and so forth.
Then Anna says the Fword is really bad. And I say yes it's really important not to say that one.
Patrick: what's the Fword? Fart?
Me: no, not that.
Anna: F&*K that's the Fword. Reem said I am a F*&K.
Me; that is extremely rude and not true and it's not appropriate for Reem (also a 1st grader) to say.
Patrick: F*&k, F(*k
Bryce: F*&k, ?
Anna: F(*k, Like you know you say: "I hit my head on the door, I'm such a f*&k.
Me; Anna don't ever call yourself that, don't be mean to yourself.
Patrick: What does f*&k mean?
Me; You guys have to stop saying that word it's really inappropriate and not something kids should say.
Patrick: Well what does it mean?
Me: Sex, it's a rude way people use to say sex.
Bryce: That's when a boy is naked and the girl has their clothes on and they kiss and stuff.
Me: Well the girl would probably be naked too. Sex is something you want to wait on till your older.
Bryce: If you have Sex, you do it to have a baby, so if you want to have 3 kids, then you have sex 3 times.
Me. Some people have sex because they want to have a baby and some don't want to have a baby they just like it.
Bryce: ohhh
Patrick: how do they have sex and not get pregnant.
Me; well a girl can take a pill
Bryce: you have to be careful because you could have a baby if you have sex right?
Patrick: gross eww gross eww
Me: Yes
Anna: sometimes girls like girls.
Me: Yes
Patrick: so if a girl was in love with a girl then how can they have a baby.
Me: They could use artificial insemination or a girl could have sex with a boy.
Patrick: Then when the baby is born, she could say to the boy, OK leave now, I love the girl and we'll take care of the baby.
Me; Well I suppose but that wouldn't be a very nice thing to do to the boy right?
Bryce: what about if 2 boys have sex where does the sperm go?
Patrick: maybe one of the boys would turn into the other boy?
Me: No, nothing happens you have to have a sperm and an egg.
Anna: what if a girl didn't have eggs and she had sperm.
Me: No, girls have girl parts and eggs and boys have boy parts and sperm that's what makes girls girls and boys boys.
Patrick: gross, ewwww, gross
Bryce: So if you and Dad have sex then we could have a baby?
Me: no your dad had an operation he doesn't have any sperm anymore.
Bryce (looking worried) does that happen a lot?
Me; No, it's up to the man. You can have sperm your whole life.
Bryce: phew.
Anna: Can I be excused ? Can I watch Zoey 101 now?
Yes go ahead.
Tonights dinner was very interesting. I say how was school today Anna. Anna says, I saw K. on the playground and she said her little brother said the A word.
Patrick says what's the A word?
Anna replies "A*^h(le. "
I foolishly say: what did you say?
Anna says "A*&h)le.
Patrick says what is an A**h*le?
I explain and tell them it is a swear word and a very mean thing to call someone.
Then Anna says and then K. said her sister said the S word.
Bryce says oh I know what that word is, "Stupid" I say that is not a nice word. That isn't the swear word though, if you listen carefully your dad says it too much.
Patrick: "oh you mean Shut it."
Me: No that's just rude, it's not a swear word.
Anna (did I mention this is her 2nd day in 1st grade)says: the s-word is Sh*t.
Patrick, age 10 and a fifth grader says: What is sh*t?
Me: Pooh
Bryce: LOL
And then Bryce said what is a swear word?
I elaborated on inappropriate words and how they shouldn't be used and how grownup say them but they shouldn't. So on and so forth.
Then Anna says the Fword is really bad. And I say yes it's really important not to say that one.
Patrick: what's the Fword? Fart?
Me: no, not that.
Anna: F&*K that's the Fword. Reem said I am a F*&K.
Me; that is extremely rude and not true and it's not appropriate for Reem (also a 1st grader) to say.
Patrick: F*&k, F(*k
Bryce: F*&k, ?
Anna: F(*k, Like you know you say: "I hit my head on the door, I'm such a f*&k.
Me; Anna don't ever call yourself that, don't be mean to yourself.
Patrick: What does f*&k mean?
Me; You guys have to stop saying that word it's really inappropriate and not something kids should say.
Patrick: Well what does it mean?
Me: Sex, it's a rude way people use to say sex.
Bryce: That's when a boy is naked and the girl has their clothes on and they kiss and stuff.
Me: Well the girl would probably be naked too. Sex is something you want to wait on till your older.
Bryce: If you have Sex, you do it to have a baby, so if you want to have 3 kids, then you have sex 3 times.
Me. Some people have sex because they want to have a baby and some don't want to have a baby they just like it.
Bryce: ohhh
Patrick: how do they have sex and not get pregnant.
Me; well a girl can take a pill
Bryce: you have to be careful because you could have a baby if you have sex right?
Patrick: gross eww gross eww
Me: Yes
Anna: sometimes girls like girls.
Me: Yes
Patrick: so if a girl was in love with a girl then how can they have a baby.
Me: They could use artificial insemination or a girl could have sex with a boy.
Patrick: Then when the baby is born, she could say to the boy, OK leave now, I love the girl and we'll take care of the baby.
Me; Well I suppose but that wouldn't be a very nice thing to do to the boy right?
Bryce: what about if 2 boys have sex where does the sperm go?
Patrick: maybe one of the boys would turn into the other boy?
Me: No, nothing happens you have to have a sperm and an egg.
Anna: what if a girl didn't have eggs and she had sperm.
Me: No, girls have girl parts and eggs and boys have boy parts and sperm that's what makes girls girls and boys boys.
Patrick: gross, ewwww, gross
Bryce: So if you and Dad have sex then we could have a baby?
Me: no your dad had an operation he doesn't have any sperm anymore.
Bryce (looking worried) does that happen a lot?
Me; No, it's up to the man. You can have sperm your whole life.
Bryce: phew.
Anna: Can I be excused ? Can I watch Zoey 101 now?
Yes go ahead.
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