Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Cheese Fondue
Looking for a yummy cheese fondue recipe for a New Year's Eve party. Anyone have any good ones? I have only ever done chocolate before.
Crock-pot Recipe!
I have a love affair with my crock-pot. I know I've mentioned it before. I also love Stephanie's blog and what she has done to bolster my love.
This is J and my all-time favorite slowcooker recipe:
3-4 pieces of frozen meat (chicken breasts, steak, boneless pork chops, or 1 pound cooked ground beef)
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
1 can black beans, drained
16 oz pico de gallo or salsa of choice
1-2 Tablespoons taco seasoning (if you like extra oomph!)
a sprinkling of cilantro, if you like it
Toss this all into your slowcooker, mix a bit, and cook on low 6 hours or high 4 hours.
Once cooked, use 2 forks and shred meat into smaller, bite-sized chunks.
 |
| (This particular batch turned out more liquidy than normal, strain with a slotted spoon if necessary.) |
Serve on warmed tortillas with lettuce, sour cream, avacado, and cheese. J also likes to add more salsa.
Enjoy!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Gingerbread House
"Moses, do you like gingerbread?"
"Nope, the box is better!"
Construction complete.
"Can we eat the candy now?"
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
O Christmas Tree
We got our tree this weekend. YAY! Exciting!
We have access to some mountain property, so we decided to head up there and chop down our own tree... ummm, not as easy as it sounds. The "perfect" trees had really weak branches, so they wouldn't hold any ornaments. So we decided to lumberjack up and chop down a big tree.
Yes, snowshoes ARE helpful when sawing and chopping in the snow. hehehe
We are estimating that this tree stood at least 40 feet high. It took a bit of sawing...
But, we now have a gorgeous, albeit a bit of a "Charlie Brown" tree. There are a few holes and weak branches, but we totally love it and it's quirkiness.
Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
"Arctic Blast"
"Arctic Blast" is the term coined for this year's pre-Thanksgiving snowstorm by our local newscasters. My area is used to snow, and inch or two at a time, in January & February. This storm started off mildly on Sunday night, let up for the am commute on Monday, but by lunch time was in full force. My area saw 3 inches in 2 hours, unheard of around here.
This storm has wreaked havoc on our area. Schools have been shut down for 2.5 days (Happy earl Thanksgiving break. Teachers and students, don't complain in July when you're still in session!) Monday evening, commutes that normally are an hour or two were taking 8-13 hours. People abandoning cars and even buses, or running out of gas because the freeway hadn't moved for hours. Buses simply not showing up, the transit centers so overwhelmed that they could no longer track them.
Other than my husband's hellish trek home on Monday night, we've had a great time because I didn't have work and school was cancelled for J! We pulled out our snow clothes and did some playing.
This storm has wreaked havoc on our area. Schools have been shut down for 2.5 days (Happy earl Thanksgiving break. Teachers and students, don't complain in July when you're still in session!) Monday evening, commutes that normally are an hour or two were taking 8-13 hours. People abandoning cars and even buses, or running out of gas because the freeway hadn't moved for hours. Buses simply not showing up, the transit centers so overwhelmed that they could no longer track them.
Other than my husband's hellish trek home on Monday night, we've had a great time because I didn't have work and school was cancelled for J! We pulled out our snow clothes and did some playing.
It wasn't quite cold enough to drag around my bulky winter coat, puffer vests and fleeces are amazing!
My first attempt at artistic photography in the falling snow...it's really hard!
Yes, my town still has some of the original hitching posts around.
I love the juxtaposition of fall and winter here.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Snow and Christmas
The first urban snowfall of the year happened yesterday in my neck of the woods, there is still snow on the ground this morning. Friday, I was able to bust out my skis and hit the slopes with my Daddy.
Snow makes me happy. LOVE IT. And it puts me in a festive mood. J too, he wanted to go up to the mountains yesterday and cut down our Christmas tree. I had to squash that one, it's still a tad bit too early.
In the spirit of the snow, J and I decided to make use of our free Sunday afternoon and get cracking on some early Christmas shopping. We made our list, everyone is accounted for except for 2 people (and they are TOUGH!)
Out we go to accomplish mass shopping for others, and didn't spend a dime. Oh yes, and we each picked out things that we need/want. Christmas Shopping FAIL. We did some great research on a few gifts, but weren't quite able to pull the trigger as we want to see a few more options.
Want to see what we picked out for ourselves? Yeah, I know you do!
I have about 7 different jackets and am sick of having to store all of them and that they don't all have the features I want. For example, my rain jacket doesn't have a hood. My ski jacket is so old and heavy that my shoulders hurt after a full day of playing in the snow.
The Alpine is a 3-in-1 jacket. A windproof, waterproof, hooded shell with a zip-in faux-down liner that can be worn alone (it's cute and has pockets of it's own). The jacket also has an elasticized snow guard at the waist and the sleeves include liners that cover your hands, complete with thumb holes, so that when you wear gloves, there is no skin-gap at your wrists. I HATE that skin gap, makes me whole hands seem cold.
The above color is called "Tidewater." I also like the color "Tarte." My favorite color is purple, but tarte is almost too pink/wine. My skiing helmet, goggles, and skis are a similar color of blue, so I want the jacket to match. Gotta be coordinated!
Snow makes me happy. LOVE IT. And it puts me in a festive mood. J too, he wanted to go up to the mountains yesterday and cut down our Christmas tree. I had to squash that one, it's still a tad bit too early.
In the spirit of the snow, J and I decided to make use of our free Sunday afternoon and get cracking on some early Christmas shopping. We made our list, everyone is accounted for except for 2 people (and they are TOUGH!)
Out we go to accomplish mass shopping for others, and didn't spend a dime. Oh yes, and we each picked out things that we need/want. Christmas Shopping FAIL. We did some great research on a few gifts, but weren't quite able to pull the trigger as we want to see a few more options.
Want to see what we picked out for ourselves? Yeah, I know you do!
The Alpine is a 3-in-1 jacket. A windproof, waterproof, hooded shell with a zip-in faux-down liner that can be worn alone (it's cute and has pockets of it's own). The jacket also has an elasticized snow guard at the waist and the sleeves include liners that cover your hands, complete with thumb holes, so that when you wear gloves, there is no skin-gap at your wrists. I HATE that skin gap, makes me whole hands seem cold.
The above color is called "Tidewater." I also like the color "Tarte." My favorite color is purple, but tarte is almost too pink/wine. My skiing helmet, goggles, and skis are a similar color of blue, so I want the jacket to match. Gotta be coordinated!
J and I had to purchase a new computer a few months ago so that he could finish up grad school after our laptops decided to get sick/die. We chose to buy the iMac for a myriad of reasons even though we were both used to having laptops. J had asked if they sold anything like a laptop's touchpad instead of a mouse because we really like them. 6 months ago, the saleslady looked at us like we had 3 heads. Well, apparently Apple heard our wishes and has now released one...after we've both become accustomed to our mouse. At only $69, this just may appear under our Christmas tree this year.
Aside from the Christmas shopping, my next project is Christmas cards. After looking at so many different companies which I love: Tiny Prints, Shutterfly, Snapfish, See Here (whom we used last year), and more, I've actually decided to use Costco. Costco has some awesome designs this year, you cannot beat the price (seriously!), they are large cards, and they include matching envelopes. Now, I just have to figure out which picture to use.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Changes
Sorry for the brief hiatus. My world has been in a topspin of late and everything is off-kilter.
2 weeks ago today, a vicious rumor came out at work that lay-offs were coming. Mandatory staff meetings were already scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, where my boss completely blind-sided (despite the rumors) the entire staff with a complete re-bid for our positions as RNs in my unit. Oh, and they are taking away 8-hour shifts. Which doesn't bother me, but we have a lot of nurses who prefer 8's and some who can't work 12-hour shifts due to medical reasons.
This re-bid has spun out of control and a black cloud has settled over my workplace. Which, despite being NICU, is usually a happy place. And it is bringing out the best and the worst in people. Many nurses are banding together, and trying to have good attitudes, the doctors are bringing treats to us, etc; but others are so upset that they are acting like 3rd graders: only wearing black scrubs, wearing witch hats into work, dropping by my boss's office just to let her know how they feel, inappropriately.
My husband pretty much had to talk me into going to work all week long because I was having a really hard time handling all of the negativity. I am generally a happy person, but negativity effects me greatly and really drags me down.
Things are a bit better now, the shock has worn off, and management has heard our concerns and has agreed to compromise on a few things.
The process: A full re-bid essentially entails that a seniority roster and list of available positions is given to everyone. Management is offering fewer positions than we currently have people on the roster. The positions are nearly all 12-hour shifts, and the number of hours per week being offered may cause some financial strains for many of our staff, myself included. All part-time positions (anything less than 60% of full time) are being eliminated.
So, number 1 on the roster chooses her position, gets it, and it goes on to number 2, and so on and so forth until all positions are filled. Some people are choosing to leave, this will result in fewer lay-offs. I am safe from being laid-off based upon seniority alone, but I am pretty far down the list, so the positions that are left and available to me may not be enough hours or might be a terrible schedule.
I AM GRATEFUL TO HAVE A JOB. Hear me on this. I AM GRATEFUL TO HAVE A JOB.
I just had a higher sense of security because healthcare is generally a safe field to be in, especially as a nurse.
My heart goes out to my co-workers who will not have a job at the end of this, and to those who this change is putting a huge strain on their families.
2 weeks ago today, a vicious rumor came out at work that lay-offs were coming. Mandatory staff meetings were already scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, where my boss completely blind-sided (despite the rumors) the entire staff with a complete re-bid for our positions as RNs in my unit. Oh, and they are taking away 8-hour shifts. Which doesn't bother me, but we have a lot of nurses who prefer 8's and some who can't work 12-hour shifts due to medical reasons.
This re-bid has spun out of control and a black cloud has settled over my workplace. Which, despite being NICU, is usually a happy place. And it is bringing out the best and the worst in people. Many nurses are banding together, and trying to have good attitudes, the doctors are bringing treats to us, etc; but others are so upset that they are acting like 3rd graders: only wearing black scrubs, wearing witch hats into work, dropping by my boss's office just to let her know how they feel, inappropriately.
My husband pretty much had to talk me into going to work all week long because I was having a really hard time handling all of the negativity. I am generally a happy person, but negativity effects me greatly and really drags me down.
Things are a bit better now, the shock has worn off, and management has heard our concerns and has agreed to compromise on a few things.
The process: A full re-bid essentially entails that a seniority roster and list of available positions is given to everyone. Management is offering fewer positions than we currently have people on the roster. The positions are nearly all 12-hour shifts, and the number of hours per week being offered may cause some financial strains for many of our staff, myself included. All part-time positions (anything less than 60% of full time) are being eliminated.
So, number 1 on the roster chooses her position, gets it, and it goes on to number 2, and so on and so forth until all positions are filled. Some people are choosing to leave, this will result in fewer lay-offs. I am safe from being laid-off based upon seniority alone, but I am pretty far down the list, so the positions that are left and available to me may not be enough hours or might be a terrible schedule.
I AM GRATEFUL TO HAVE A JOB. Hear me on this. I AM GRATEFUL TO HAVE A JOB.
I just had a higher sense of security because healthcare is generally a safe field to be in, especially as a nurse.
My heart goes out to my co-workers who will not have a job at the end of this, and to those who this change is putting a huge strain on their families.
Monday, October 25, 2010
200th Post!
I've made it to my 200th post and I'm quite excited about it. I never thought I'd have enough to say to keep me going this far. Thank you for following along and leaving me fun comments, I love reading your thoughts!
In honor of my 200th post (and because I'm poor...) you get to read this week's menu! Isn't that exciting?!
Actually, this week is blogger menu-week! Simply because you guys are awesome and constantly give me great ideas! Thank you!
Monday: Green curry simmered chicken (I use the green curry simmer sauce from Trader Joe's.)
Tuesday: Megan's freshly posted White House Turkey Burgers
Wednesday: I'm thinking roasting a small turkey, thank you to Emily for making me brave enough to try my own Rookie Thanksgiving!
Thursday: Mrs. Life Account's Fall Recipe Challenge Baked Potato Soup
Friday: Red Curry Coconut Noodles from PW's Tasty Kitchen
I know tonight's dinner is not a blogger recipe, well, it's mine, but you know what I mean. It's the ingredients I currently have on hand. I'm headed to the store tomorrow to pick up everything else.
Also, this week, my pre-ordered 40-pound box of organic Fuji apples are being delivered, so I'm heading into applesauce production. My applesauce recipe is found here. This year however, I will not be coring and seeding the apples before hand (just slicing them), because I have a new toy--the OXO Tot food mill! Yeah, it pretty much makes making applesauce a breeze (and once it's time for kiddos, homemade baby food will be super-easy, too).
In honor of my 200th post (and because I'm poor...) you get to read this week's menu! Isn't that exciting?!
Actually, this week is blogger menu-week! Simply because you guys are awesome and constantly give me great ideas! Thank you!
Monday: Green curry simmered chicken (I use the green curry simmer sauce from Trader Joe's.)
Tuesday: Megan's freshly posted White House Turkey Burgers
Wednesday: I'm thinking roasting a small turkey, thank you to Emily for making me brave enough to try my own Rookie Thanksgiving!
Thursday: Mrs. Life Account's Fall Recipe Challenge Baked Potato Soup
Friday: Red Curry Coconut Noodles from PW's Tasty Kitchen
I know tonight's dinner is not a blogger recipe, well, it's mine, but you know what I mean. It's the ingredients I currently have on hand. I'm headed to the store tomorrow to pick up everything else.
Also, this week, my pre-ordered 40-pound box of organic Fuji apples are being delivered, so I'm heading into applesauce production. My applesauce recipe is found here. This year however, I will not be coring and seeding the apples before hand (just slicing them), because I have a new toy--the OXO Tot food mill! Yeah, it pretty much makes making applesauce a breeze (and once it's time for kiddos, homemade baby food will be super-easy, too).
Happy Eats!
Book Report: Winter Garden
Kristin Hannah's Winter Garden passed my test of being great fiction -- it made me laugh and cry.
Follow along with Anya and her two estranged daughters, Meredith and Nina, as they grieve the death of their wonderful father. Meredith and Nina are left to grapple with their shared childhood of feeling unloved by their mother and their father's final request: that their mother tell them a fairy tale from beginning to end.
Meredith and Nina have different feelings about this fairy tale that their mother does not wish to tell. Slowly and haltingly, the story emerges and the women are transfixed as they try to decide what it means and how it will affect them.
This novel covers many different topics, but ties them all together beautifully: marriage, sisterhood, war, lifestyle, survival, love, sacrifice.
Because she does such a good job, I'll let Kristin tell you a bit about it herself.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Book Report: Ape House
Sara Gruen's newest novel, Ape House is a stunner. Who knew that I would enjoy a novel about apes?!
Gruen picks up the tale of a group of Bonobo Apes who are living in a research facility. The apes are part of a linguistics study and are able to communicate well with humans. They enjoy riding in the car, they love to drink Starbucks and watch movies, onions and pears are a treat. The apes are happy and well-adjusted. What happens when protestors have the wrong idea and push just a bit too far? Define "liberation." Just how far do the lies and manipulation go? and who really is in charge?
Follow along with researcher and top "ape mom" Isabel and her assistant Celia as they work with reporter John Thigpen to find the truth and rescue the apes.
The book moves along steadily and melds the elements seamlessly. I was never confused about the who, what, when, etc of the plot. And there are enough twists and turns that skilled author Gruen kept the pages turning without losing the story.
Gruen's newest work has elements that are reminiscent of her highly-acclaimed Water for Elephants. If you enjoyed that book, then you are going to speed through Ape House and say "Wait, I want more!" when you reach the conclusion.
Follow along with researcher and top "ape mom" Isabel and her assistant Celia as they work with reporter John Thigpen to find the truth and rescue the apes.
The book moves along steadily and melds the elements seamlessly. I was never confused about the who, what, when, etc of the plot. And there are enough twists and turns that skilled author Gruen kept the pages turning without losing the story.
Gruen's newest work has elements that are reminiscent of her highly-acclaimed Water for Elephants. If you enjoyed that book, then you are going to speed through Ape House and say "Wait, I want more!" when you reach the conclusion.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Menu Planning
I keep getting side-lined and don't get my menus up! Bummer. This week I had to make a conscious effort to sit down and just do it!
Monday: Steak & veggie stir-fry over brown rice
Tuesday: Chicken noodle soup (I use the McCormick slow cooker seasoning mix and follow the directions on it--so yummy!)
Wednesday: Pot roast with potatoes, carrots, and gravy! (I love me some gravy)
Thursday: American Chop Suey I love Stephanie's recipes, they are always fantastic. She's also gluten-free for any of you GFers out there. I'm asking for her cookbooks for Christmas.
Friday: left-overs and then lots of European food at the Oktoberfest party we're going to that night.
Happy Eats!
Monday: Steak & veggie stir-fry over brown rice
Tuesday: Chicken noodle soup (I use the McCormick slow cooker seasoning mix and follow the directions on it--so yummy!)
Wednesday: Pot roast with potatoes, carrots, and gravy! (I love me some gravy)
Thursday: American Chop Suey I love Stephanie's recipes, they are always fantastic. She's also gluten-free for any of you GFers out there. I'm asking for her cookbooks for Christmas.
Friday: left-overs and then lots of European food at the Oktoberfest party we're going to that night.
Happy Eats!
Grandpa update
J's Grandpa passed away on Saturday afternoon. He went to meet Jesus in his sleep, it was very peaceful. The family spent the weekend together celebrating the very full life of this special man. J is doing very well, he is glad that Grandpa is no longer suffering.
Thank you for all of your prayers, they were very much felt and we are grateful.
Thank you for all of your prayers, they were very much felt and we are grateful.
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Prayers
Today I'm coming to you with a request for more prayers for our family. J's family friend ended up have a 6 way heart bypass and he is recovering well. Thanks for thinking of him.
Last night, J's beloved 89 year old Grandpa fell and broke his hip. Originally they were going to do surgery, but we just learned that he's been moved to the ICU due to respiratory distress and increasing blood pressure (hypertension). He's old and has been sickly for a while, the family wants him to go peacefully when it's his time to die and have therefore decided to forego some treatment. At this point his surgery is on hold, his pain is being treated, and most other medical interventions are being waited upon.
J had to go to class today and can't be with his family. We're hoping that Grandpa will be stable enough to visit this evening. J is doing okay, we knew this was coming and that Grandpa's quality of life hasn't been great lately.
Please keep us all in your prayers, especially Grandpa. We don't want him to suffer and we know that he wants to see Jesus peacefully.
Last night, J's beloved 89 year old Grandpa fell and broke his hip. Originally they were going to do surgery, but we just learned that he's been moved to the ICU due to respiratory distress and increasing blood pressure (hypertension). He's old and has been sickly for a while, the family wants him to go peacefully when it's his time to die and have therefore decided to forego some treatment. At this point his surgery is on hold, his pain is being treated, and most other medical interventions are being waited upon.
J had to go to class today and can't be with his family. We're hoping that Grandpa will be stable enough to visit this evening. J is doing okay, we knew this was coming and that Grandpa's quality of life hasn't been great lately.
Please keep us all in your prayers, especially Grandpa. We don't want him to suffer and we know that he wants to see Jesus peacefully.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Heart Surgery
A dear friend of J's family is undergoing a major open heart surgery today. Please keep him, his family, the surgeons, and nurses in your prayers today.
I am grateful. Thank you.
I am grateful. Thank you.
Saturday, October 02, 2010
September Recap
September was such a busy month for us. J had the entire month off from school, so I took almost the entire month off from work. Tonight I am home sick from work with a cold/virus. I slept all day and woke up sick, so sleeping during the night isn't going to be happening tonight, thus I have time to recap the month of September for us.
We started the weekend off with a wedding. The bride is a bacon fan and the menu was based around that. Bacon-maple donuts, BLT mini-sandwiches, spinach bacon salad, bacon wrapped mini-fillets. It was spectacular!
We started the weekend off with a wedding. The bride is a bacon fan and the menu was based around that. Bacon-maple donuts, BLT mini-sandwiches, spinach bacon salad, bacon wrapped mini-fillets. It was spectacular!
Hubs then took a 600 mile round-trip 4 day trip to go mountain biking with a friend. Apparently the trip was so epic that he forgot to take pictures...
I went and helped Grandma with her skin cancer surgery, which went phenomenally by the way. I fed her lots of chocolate milkshakes and mashed potatoes and then took her stitches out a few days later.
My in-laws joined us at my Grandparent's cabin for a few days where we had a blast fixing the lawn mower and using the kayak.
We even squeezed in an afternoon at the beach. Found a huge tree root and a sweet driftwood fort. Had the best clam chowder for dinner. We loved it!
Then, we packed up and headed to my cousin's wedding, where we hung out with a lot of family.
We did a fabulous "final weekend of summer" hike with my parents and their best friends. It was glorious!
We also spent a day at the zoo! I love the zoo, we go frequently. Hubs loves to feed the birds and fancies himself a turtle, I really love the cats.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Fall TV line-up
J and I can't decide if we're happy with this fall's TV line-up or not. Usually we love fall television: season premieres, pilots, returning favorites, highly anticipated new shows.
This year only one show is a real draw for us and we make sure we're around for it: ABC's Emmy-winning Modern Family on Wednesday nights. The script is hilarious, the actors' timing is flawless, and the actors themselves make up quite the cast. Love it!
Monday we enjoyed Fox's Lone Star but it sounds like the pilot didn't do well so we'll see if it gets yanked.
Tuesdays we like NBC's Biggest Loser
Wednesday is Modern Family! Woohoo!
Thursday ABC's My Generation could be good, but so far reviews aren't great.
What will you be watching this season?
This year only one show is a real draw for us and we make sure we're around for it: ABC's Emmy-winning Modern Family on Wednesday nights. The script is hilarious, the actors' timing is flawless, and the actors themselves make up quite the cast. Love it!
Monday we enjoyed Fox's Lone Star but it sounds like the pilot didn't do well so we'll see if it gets yanked.
Tuesdays we like NBC's Biggest Loser
Wednesday is Modern Family! Woohoo!
Thursday ABC's My Generation could be good, but so far reviews aren't great.
What will you be watching this season?
Monday, September 20, 2010
Menu Planning
This week we are finally home--all week! Wahoo!
Grandma's surgery went fabulously. The whole experience went well and she doesn't feel as nervous if she has to have another one. I took her sutures out on Saturday and the incision is healing quite nicely.
Sunday: spaghetti, green salad, breadsticks
Monday: meatloaf and potato wedges
Tuesday: fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, salad
Wednesday: baked ginger-sesame pork with zucchini
Thursday: beef stew and crescent rolls
Friday: no clue yet, maybe out to dinner on a gift certificate?
I'll try to get my meatloaf recipe up soon--like my chicken salad recipe, it often morphs based upon what's in the fridge, this week it's carrots, onion, celery, oatmeal, zucchini. Yum!
Happy Eats!
Grandma's surgery went fabulously. The whole experience went well and she doesn't feel as nervous if she has to have another one. I took her sutures out on Saturday and the incision is healing quite nicely.
Sunday: spaghetti, green salad, breadsticks
Monday: meatloaf and potato wedges
Tuesday: fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, salad
Wednesday: baked ginger-sesame pork with zucchini
Thursday: beef stew and crescent rolls
Friday: no clue yet, maybe out to dinner on a gift certificate?
I'll try to get my meatloaf recipe up soon--like my chicken salad recipe, it often morphs based upon what's in the fridge, this week it's carrots, onion, celery, oatmeal, zucchini. Yum!
Happy Eats!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Curry Chicken Salad Fit for a Queen
Curry Chicken Salad is my very favorite lunch food. I have no idea where this recipe originated from, I think maybe one of my Mom's church cookbooks, but she has a zillion of them, so it's anyone's guess.
You will need:
2-3 Cups cooked and cooled chicken
2/3 Cups mayonnaise (this is already cut down from 3/4 Cup, you can take a bit more out, but not too much or else your salad will be dry)
2 tsp lemon juice
2 tsp curry powder (more if you like it spicier)
2 tsp soy sauce
2 Cups total of chopped Grapes, Celery, Carrots, Onion, Zucchini--basically whatever you have in your fridge that you like, some people like pineapple chunks, water chestnuts, etc.
Cashews (if you like, but only add right before you eat, otherwise they'll become soggy)
You will need:
2-3 Cups cooked and cooled chicken
2/3 Cups mayonnaise (this is already cut down from 3/4 Cup, you can take a bit more out, but not too much or else your salad will be dry)
2 tsp lemon juice
2 tsp curry powder (more if you like it spicier)
2 tsp soy sauce
2 Cups total of chopped Grapes, Celery, Carrots, Onion, Zucchini--basically whatever you have in your fridge that you like, some people like pineapple chunks, water chestnuts, etc.
Cashews (if you like, but only add right before you eat, otherwise they'll become soggy)
Mix up the dressing
Chop up your chicken and veggies
Stir it all together, then chill
Serve any way that you like. I made a wrap this time, but I often like it on lightly toasted whole wheat bread, or on a bed of lettuce.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Menu Planning
Menu planning is currently on a 2-week hiatus.
Last week, I spent $4 at the grocery store to buy milk and pita chips. We just weren't home much, so we ate some leftovers, lots of grab-n-go fruit, ate with our parents, bought lunch at work, etc.
This week, I'm out of town with my Grandma for her surgery. Hubs will be joining me on Tuesday night at their place for a few days, then over the weekend we have wedding festivities for a cousin of mine. I'll probably still do all the cooking this week, but I'm sure Grandma will be telling me what to cook. She hates cooking now, but still loves to eat her recipes...when someone else cooks them!
Have a great week, everyone!
Last week, I spent $4 at the grocery store to buy milk and pita chips. We just weren't home much, so we ate some leftovers, lots of grab-n-go fruit, ate with our parents, bought lunch at work, etc.
This week, I'm out of town with my Grandma for her surgery. Hubs will be joining me on Tuesday night at their place for a few days, then over the weekend we have wedding festivities for a cousin of mine. I'll probably still do all the cooking this week, but I'm sure Grandma will be telling me what to cook. She hates cooking now, but still loves to eat her recipes...when someone else cooks them!
Have a great week, everyone!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Randoms
I learned how to knit on Saturday morning. There's a lady at church who is starting a group called "With Loving Hands." It is a place to learn how to knit and crochet, fellowship, and create projects for people in need. So far I'm loving it. My yarn is a very pretty peach color.
I broke down and bought some skinny jeans. I am a believer! (sort-of!) I found my old horseback riding boots and thought that they looked a lot like the boots currently out for the season, so I cleaned 'em up with some saddle soap and black shoe polish and they practically glow! Because they actually are riding boots, they are fairly tight and I need boot pulls to get them on (they have sewn in pull tabs), and a boot jack to get them off. Luckily I found those stored with the boots. Oh yes, because of the boot's tightness I needed tight pants to wear them with. I found some really cute Miley Cyrus ones on clearance for $10 at Walmart. I can't find the actual pants online, sorry. They are actually really well constructed and comfortable, which surprised me.
Moses has been working out lately. Ya know, besides chasing the bugs that are starting to find their way inside, and attacking my houseplant, he's decided that some good old fashioned weight lifting is going to get the ladies...
My Grandma is having (another) skin cancer surgically removed from her face tomorrow. I'm heading out soon to be with her for the procedure. It's done in the office, and isn't too invasive, but it's scary none-the-less, so I'll be right beside her the whole time. Nurse Erica's Warning: wear your daily sunscreen of at least SPF 15 (most daily moisturizers contain it) on your face. The skin cancer is so not worth it. My Grandma's nose is actually now totally comprised of skin that was originally grown behind her ears...I think she's had 7 skin grafts to her nose now. Skin cancer isn't pretty, which renders your tan ugly, in my humble opinion...
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Book Report: Moose
Moose by Stephanie Klein is a memoir of a formerly fat girl's summers away at fat camp.
The book is born when Klein's doctor tells her that she needs to gain 50 pounds while pregnant with twins. This scares her and sends her mind back to junior high when she was fat and her parents were not supportive of her weight loss journey. Her father laughed when she confessed that the kids at school called her "Moose." Her mother stocked the house with her favorite fat goodies because it would be unfair to deprive the rest of the family. And then her parents send both Klein and her skinny sister to fat camp.
I liked Klein's style because she is honest and witty. Being candid is important to me when reading a memoir. There were times I laughed out loud. However, I could not relate to the content or to Klein's plight, so I found myself breezing through chapters, skimming the paragraphs. A. I'm not concerned with my weight, B. I'm not unhappy, and C. I have an extremely supportive family.
For those of you who have struggled with your weight and/or self-esteem, this book will appeal to you and I'm sure you'll get more from it than I did. I do feel that I learned a lot about the emotional journey associated with weight loss.
Happy Reading!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Menu Planning
This weeks menu is fairly meat-centric. Mmmm protein!
Monday: Steak stir-fry (red pepper, onion, broccoli, celery, carrots, zucchini) with brown rice.
Tuesday: Baked salmon with lemon, onion, garlic, thyme and couscous
Wednesday: Ribs, corn on the cob, baked beans
Thursday: Chicken caesar salad, peaches
Friday: Baked pork loin chops, corn on the cob, potato-rosemary bread, followed by homemade (hand-picked!) blackberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream. (My in-laws are coming to dinner on Friday)
Happy Eats!
Monday: Steak stir-fry (red pepper, onion, broccoli, celery, carrots, zucchini) with brown rice.
Tuesday: Baked salmon with lemon, onion, garlic, thyme and couscous
Wednesday: Ribs, corn on the cob, baked beans
Thursday: Chicken caesar salad, peaches
Friday: Baked pork loin chops, corn on the cob, potato-rosemary bread, followed by homemade (hand-picked!) blackberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream. (My in-laws are coming to dinner on Friday)
Happy Eats!
Fall Shoes
I'm fairly tall, about 5'10". J is 6' even. I feel sexy when wearing heels, but have never felt comfortable in them, so usually stick to flats. Boy am I glad that flats have been popular the last couple of years.
I was reading the September issue of Real Simple and came across an article about shoe trends. Guess what? Flats are still in! Wahoo! But of course you know RS, the editors love articles about budgeting, but can't quite get that message across in the products they choose. The $325 driving mocs they featured, for instance, are just plain ridiculous.
But, lo and behold! One of the pairs is purple and only $30. These babies may soon become mine:
I was reading the September issue of Real Simple and came across an article about shoe trends. Guess what? Flats are still in! Wahoo! But of course you know RS, the editors love articles about budgeting, but can't quite get that message across in the products they choose. The $325 driving mocs they featured, for instance, are just plain ridiculous.
But, lo and behold! One of the pairs is purple and only $30. These babies may soon become mine:
The "Cushion Walk Zip Top Loafer" by Avon. They aren't available yet, but I'm willing to wait. Did you know that Avon made shoes? No. Me either, but they're really cute! Hopefully they're true to size and comfy!
On the topic of beautiful purple shoes, I may need these for work.
I love the lizard/croc, but the purple patent are gorgeous, too.
Oh shoes, why do I love you so?
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