Nicki Woo - The Home Guru

Papaya Beauty Smoothie, Birthdays and The 8-Week Healthy Skin Diet

2013-05-15T10:36:00.000-05:00

Well.
I'm doing a bit of recovery today from a slightly hectic week.
Hence the pic of the Healthy Papaya Beauty Smoothie (more on that later).

We started the week with Bella's Birthday.

Store bought Ice Cream Cake. Walmart. $14.99.

Rainbow colored birthday girl. About to burst open from shear happiness.

The loot. Everything having to do with SOFTBALL.

Balls. Balls. And more Balls.

A big net thing so she can practice hitting and pitching in the backyard.

A purse. Softball neon yellow.

And maybe her fave gift of all. Bacon Flavored Sunflower seeds.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

And now.

I have to get ready for tomorrow.

It's my birthday.

38 WONDERFUL YEARS.

So today, I'm going to make a list of all the things I want to do with Warwick tomorrow (he's taking the day off).

This is what I have so far. . . .

1.) Eat lovely breakfast, then shoo my kids out the door to school.

2.) Go to this really cool Garden Nursery in Seabrook.

3.) Go flea market shopping!!!!!!

4.) Eat lunch somewhere fabulous. Get EXACTLY what I want. No matter the caloric intake. No matter the price.

5.) Go to Ikea and then to Starbucks just because I like the way they smell inside.

6.) Pick up our kids from school.

7.) Eat dinner at 4:00 pm so we can make it to 5:45 and 6:00 Volleyball and Softball practice.

8.) Come home and eat some really great birthday pie that has been purchased in my honor.

9.)Kiss my children goodnight. Hug my husband tight. Pray for my mom and dad. And be ever so grateful for a fantastic 38 years of life.

10.) Go to bed knowing my 39th year will be even better.

Not a bad list. But I'm still working on it.

I'm also working on eating the absolutely most perfect meals today. . . . .in order to enhance my tomorrow.

Light, Fresh. Full of nutrients.

Like this Papaya Smoothie.

So good that my knuckle head 3 year old drank it up. . . .completely. . .so I had to make another.

It comes from the book The 8-Week Healthy Skin Diet (includes more than 100 recipes for beautiful Skin) by Karen Fischer.

I'm thinking this book might come in handy now that I'm almost 38. It has all sorts of tips and tricks on how to take care of your skin and how to make yourself feel beauitiful on the inside and out.

Which is important at any age.

And quite honestly,

as long as I'm feeling and looking good, I'll never be ashamed to say how old I am.

Here's to 100 years of looking and feeling BEAUTIFUL!

Happy Birthday to me.

Papaya Beauty Smoothie, page 349

This thick, tropical, gluten-free smoothie is a delicious and refreshing drink. It contains vitamin C–rich papaya, which enhances protein digestion; bananas, which are a great source of fiber; and ginger and lime, which are alkalizing. The only thing missing from this recipe is protein, which is vital for firm skin, so ideally you should use this shake as a digestion-enhancing appetizer and have it 15 to 30 minutes before a protein-rich meal. If consumed before dinner, it may also aid weight loss because flaxseed oil triggers the satiety response.

Makes 1 large or 2 small servings

1⁄2 cup pure apple juice (sugar- and preservative-free) 125 ml

1⁄2 cup water 125 mL

1 cup chopped papaya (optional: pre-freeze chunks) 250 mL

1 frozen banana (peel and chop before freezing) 1

1⁄2 lime, juiced (about 4 tsp/20 mL) 1⁄2

1⁄4 tsp grated gingerroot (optional) 1 mL

1 tbsp ground flax seeds or flaxseed oil 15 mL

1 tbsp lecithin granules (GMO-free soy) 15 mL

1. Combine apple juice, water, papaya, banana, lime juice and ginger in a blender and blend on high until smooth. Add flax seeds and lecithin and blend for a further 20 seconds. Serve and drink immediately. For a thinner mixture, add extra water.

Tip

Acne-prone people may need to use less or no flaxseed oil.

Pre-Game Meal: Pasta and Simple Red Sauce

2013-05-07T04:37:00.001-05:00

Today is Bella's 9th Birthday.

And truth be told she's a real sore loser.

That's one of my favorite parts about her.
She has heart.
She plays HARD.
She works HARD.
No need to yell at her.
She's already screaming at herself (or her teammate in her head).

But jeez Louise.
Sometimes I can't stand the moping.

"Bella," I say.
"Do you love softball?"
"Yes," she says. "You know I do."
"Then stop with all the moping." I say.
"It's just that. . ." And "It's just that. . . ." she murmurs, pouting and kicking the dirt.

"I know. First place is better that second. But second place is great too. If you tried your hardest. . . ."

Eyes wide, she looks up.
Lips pursed.
Clearly pissed off.

"Look Bells. Your body is this vessel that carries all your energy. Good or Bad. And when you are in a good mood, excited, fierce, and ready to play ball, that vessel lights up like the sun. All bright yellow and glowing. The rays of light shoot out from you onto all your teammates. They feel the sun you have created shining on their faces, and they have no other choice but to glow too. To shine. And then y'all all play better. It's true. Not my law. It's the law of the universe.

But. . .when you get down, all droopy and sad, your shoulders slump, and everyone in the world can tell you're mad because a ball got dropped or a throw wasn't as good as it could've been. And when you don't just shake it off. . . . .your light turns blue. Then gray. And then a fog cloud seeps from your every orifice and creeps onto the field and covers the eyes and the spirits of all your teammates . . . . and all they can see is darkness. Heaviness. They don't even realize it. Because its a heavy haze. And it dulls everything and everyone around it. And guess what. Their level of play. . .down the tubes.

Bella. Be the yellow light.
The sun.
Shine bright.
It matters."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

When I speak like that, I'm not sure if she understands what I'm trying to say.

WE ARE ALL CONNECTED.
WHO WE ARE IN EVERY MOMENT MATTERS TO OURSELVES AND OTHERS.
BE STRONG, LITTLE ONE.
EVEN IN THE WORST OF SITUATIONS.
EVEN WHEN ITS SO VERY HARD.
SEARCH FOR THE LIGHT.
SEARCH FOR THE GOOD.

On your ninth birthday I just want to say.. . . . .
I love you.
You are perfect.
If I were a kid I'd want to be your very best friend . . . . .forever.
I thank God everyday that I get to be your Mommy.
You are exceptional.
You are strong.
You are the joy of my life.

Thank you for being my girl. You rock my world.

Mommy - XOXO

Pasta with Red Sauce
Adapted from Extra Virgin

As I'm sure you surmised by this point. Bella plays A LOT of sports. And totes digs a homemade meal. Totes needs lots of carbs, veg, and energy food. I like to make this on Thursdays or Fridays before Softball Tournaments, to help get her through the lot of high paced games she's up against. It's a super fast cook, she loves it, and it's great for storing up energy for the next day of intense play.

Ingredients

2 TB olive oil
1/2 red or yellow onion
3 cloves garlic
Dash of red pepper flakes
28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 TB sugar
2 handfuls fresh basil, chopped**
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 pound dried spaghetti or linguine
Parmesan Cheese, grated

*PS - In some of the pics there is ground turkey. I add that sometimes for added protein. It's yummy with, or without. If I don't add turkey I use the Barilla high protein pasta. If you decide to use ground turkey as well, simple add it to the skillet after the onions have turned soft. Brown the ground meat, and then continue as directed:)

**PSS- The pics also don't show the parmesan or the basil. I added it. I just forgot to take the pic. Be sure you add it too! It will make all the difference!

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add the onion and cook until they are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and a dash of red pepper flakes. Cook 2 minutes longer.

2. Add crushed tomatoes, sugar and dash of salt and pepper . Cover partially and cook on low for 30 minutes. Add 1/2 of the basil and re-season with salt and pepper if necessary.

3. While the sauce is cooking, prepare the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain.

4. Once the sauce is done cooking, add drained pasta, toss, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Garnish with remaining basil, drizzle a little more olive oil on top and serve.

The Cheapest Way to Cage a Tomato Plant is . . . . . . . .

2013-04-29T09:45:00.001-05:00

I think

that

if you really want to know

what a person loves,

what they value,

you should look

at what they

photograph.

Baby figs.

They smell of earth.

Like clean dirt.

Random simile pairing.

But true.

When the wind blows

if you're just in the right spot

you can catch a whiff of it,

and WHAM!

you're in heaven.

I was getting WHAMMED and WHIFFED when the breeze hit,

and I started taking pictures,

and look what I discovered. . .

the craziest lady bud.

No.

Seriously.

He was crazy.

Aren't lady bugs normally laid back?

Ho hum?

On an average day, when I play with lady bugs, they stay for a while,

Not Polka Dotty.

He wanted back on the fig tree.

Who could blame him?

It did smell quite lovely.

I planted Nasturtiums about a month ago from seed. It's the only way to grow them.

They are fast growers, so says the back of the seed packet.

We shall see.

They have a plethora of orange, yellow and red flowers.

And leaves and the flowers are edible.

Tasting kinda like arugula.

Which of course, is my main reason for planting them.

That, and they attract aphids.

So they are good to plant next to tomatoes.

And my lettuce,

is finally filling in.

Though. . .

if you look closely, it looks as if some of the seeds

have run away.

My pot is 1/2 empty.

That's okay.

Because my life is full, full, full.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"This YEAR," I told my self.

I am going to cage my tomatoes like a normal person.

Maybe I'll build a trellis

and let them climb.

Or I'll buy wire cages

and let them just plop their long leggy limbs all over the rings.

But I couldn't do it.

I have 10 or so tomato plants

and cages cost like $4 a pop,

and it just seems silly to me to spend all that money.

For FREE tomatoes.

So, to finish my own sentence,

The cheapest way to cage a tomato is not to cage it all.

STAKE IT.

Stakes can be bought for $1 a piece (Walmart garden nursery - 98 cents), and re-used year after year.

These stakes are 4 years old.

I use them to stake my tomatoes And cukes.

Who, by the way, are looking as if they temporarily want to suck again this year.

Don't fret, I haven't given up yet.

I'm sure they are going to produce millions and millions of cucumbers for me.

Positive thinking!

Anyway, back to the task at hand.

Just ram the stakes into the ground with a mallet, about 2 inches from the base of the tomato plant.

Tie center trunk loosely with twisty tie to the stake.

Voila.

Caged tomatoes.

Without the cage.

And without the expense.

Earth Week: Repurpose! Shower Curtain Rod to Purse Display. . . .

2013-04-26T09:24:00.000-05:00

I said, I'm sorry.
I've said 'I'm sorry' before but its always been followed with, 'because', 'but', or any array of throw up words.

Never.
NEVER have I just said "I'm sorry." And then stopped.

I rang my husband on the phone.
Ring. Ring. Ring.

Him: Hello. Warwick Speaking.

Me: I'm sorry.

Him: I accept your apology.

Silence.

And then, we hung up. He still loved me. And I still loved me. And I was accepting of my 'self conscious - screaming - afraid to be the little woman - barefoot homemaker mom lady' who is a little unbalanced so she says rude horrible things to the people she loves.

At least I'm conscious of it.
I'm aware, right?
That's half the battle.

5 hours earlier.

He called me.
At 7:30 am.

Ring. Ring. Ring.

Me: Hello?

Him: Hey there Sweetie!

Me: What?

Him: Hey! Did you ever send Missy that text about Bella's softball uniform?

Me: Nooooo . . .. Did you?

Him: I asked you to do it.

Me: AND I TOLD YOU. . .that if you started the project, YOU finish it.

Him: But I don't have a cell phone.

Me: I'M NOT YOUR SECRETARY! DO IT YOURSELF.

Click.Click.
He hung up on me.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Oh Sweet Jesus.
What have I learned from this situation?

1.) I need to get a grip.
2.) Saying sorry is enough. No explanations needed. . .if you really mean it.
3.) I think Yoga is helping. It's helping me be MORE aware of myself and okay with myself. Accepting of me, as I am. I am aware of the crazy, neurotic, yelly person. I will accept her and try to tame her the mess down.
4.) Love is a powerful thing. I think he had already forgiven me before I ever even uttered "I'm sorry."

I've got a lot of work to do.
On myself.
And in my house.
I think I will be more balanced spiritually, when the things that surround me are more as they appear in my head.

Lately, I've been getting visions of all sorts of decorating and organizing ideas that I can't wait to implement into my house.
But I'm trying to breathe through it.
One task at a time.
Enjoying the moment I'm in.
Not trying to rush onto the next thing without fully enjoying the task I am currently undertaking.

The goal is to enjoy the journey.
Of making my home cozier.
More functional.

That's really why I haven't been blogging much about food lately.
I'm just trying to center myself.
And right now, my center has me focusing on the hearth.

Today, since its Earth week I'm finding new uses for things I already have around the house.

Like this.

A shower curtain rod.

I'm going to use it in Bella and Soledad's room.
Please excuse them.
It's a bit of a mess.

I'm hanging the rod, right behind their bedroom door.

I borrowed these rings from Phoebe.
When she was a baby, they were used to hold her toys onto her stroller.

Then I just hooked the purses on. . . .

And look!
They're door still closes!
And it's organized! No More purses all over the place!
And there is a Halloween pumpkin on the door!
And it's April!
Oh joy.

Another angle.
Without the pumpkin.

What good organizing tips are you using to keep your home in order?

Earth Day: REUSE!!! Repainting and Mending a Flea Market Chair.

2013-04-22T09:56:00.001-05:00

He walked into the house, eyes squinting, head tilted, head half convulsing.

Him: Nicole! Nicole! Did you know there is paint splattered all over the grass? And a bit on the sidewalk. And ON. THE. BRICK. OF THE HOUSE??? Did you know that?

I look at him and purse my lips. I turn back around and continue combing Phoebe's hair.

Him: Nicole. Seriously. It's like you turned the water hose on. . . then holding a paint brush full of paint . . .tried to hose it off, but it just splattered. . . .everywhere. . .on the house, on the sidewalk, on the grass. .. .Did you do that? Do you remember doing anything like that?

Me: Umm. I don't know.

Him: Well. . . .

I'm ignoring him full out now. I'm brushing Phoebe's hair, harder and harder. Her head is swaying side to side. Her head almost pops right off her shoulders.

He doesn't say another word. Though I can tell, he's slightly perturbed. And to tell you the truth, so am I.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

So what he thinks happened is not exactly what happened.
Though, it was something vaguely similar.
Actually.. . .
I had the paint brush, and I soaked it in water, and I needed to use it to paint. . . .but I couldn't get all the water out . . . .so I flung it in the grass. But it was still wet, so I flung it over the driveway. . . . .but it was still wet . . .. . so I went around the house by the water hose and flung it more, and then slightly wiped it on the corner of the house.

And that's how paint got everywhere.
That's why my husband nearly lost his underwear.

I did it.
I admit.
But to my defense.
I really don't mind the paint.
I really do love the white contrast against our boring brown brick.
And every time I see little speckles of white paint on the driveway it reminds me of creating, and chaos, and fun. And I love it.

And really.
It's just white paint against super light grey concrete.
Big whoop.
It'll be alright, Warwick.
I promise, not to do it again. . .for awhile. Or this week.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

This little ditty is what caused all the ruckus.
My find of the week.

A CHAIR!
A chair that cost me a measly $4.99.
Wooden and black and all scratched up.
Oh my. I'm in love.

I slapped some paint on that bad boy, just like I did when I painted Shelbi's Shabby Chic Night Stand. Thin coats. Slow and steady.

One of the legs were a little loose. So I used wood glue and a mallet and rammed that sucker back in there, nice and tight.

And then finished painting it.

And now it's in Bella and Soli's room.

Living out it's second life in an orange creamsicle room paradise.
I'm thinking of adding a chair pillow. Maybe chevron pattern. White and turquoise.
Who knows.
I think it looks very nice as is.

What are you up to this Earth Day week? Doing anything interesting?

Smoked Turkey Links and Peppers in a Sweet Red Wine Sauce

2013-04-15T08:09:00.000-05:00

Lately, I've been searching for something.
I've been spending the majority of my time either in Garden Nurseries, in my backyard digging, at Goodwill, or on Pinterest.

I'm wanting something.
I'm wanting this moment to be a moment in the future.
A moment where my life is more stable. Where my garden is lush, and I know what the he** I'm doing. I'm wanting my house to be full of pictures and items of age, and history. So that when we walk into it WE know.

We know that we are worthy?
We know that we are lovely?
We know that we are people who live here, and work hard at creating beauty?
In all things.
In children playing.
In spirits and souls.
In fun.
In life.

But sometimes it doesn't seem like that.
It just seems like life is made up of laundry, and taking people to and fro.
So I've been wandering.
And wondering.
If I can make the next moments we live, like the moment I wish I was having now.
One where I enjoy every sound.
Every color.
Every smell.
Every action.

I'm hoping the search for it, will bring it looking for me.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I think that's why I love food. . . .so much.

Because. . .I stop.
I notice EVERYTHING.
I appreciate every. single. bite.
Every sweet caramelized onion.
Every inch of garlic, smoky goodness.

It reminds me that nourishment come in many forms. Because I'm not just filled up with the end result, I'm nourished by the process of cutting and chopping, sauteing and stirring.

I wonder if all of life can be like these Smoked Turkey Links and Peppers.
So easy.
Easy to prepare.
Wafting of hearty sweet aromas.
Enjoyable.
Simple.
Beautiful.

I think that it can.

Smoked Turkey Links with Peppers in a Sweet Red Wine Sauce
Inspired by Giada and the Deen Bros. Seperately:)

2 pounds Your Fave Turkey Sausage
2 TB olive oil
2 yellow onions. sliced
2 red, yellow or orange bell peppers, sliced
4 Garlic Cloves
2 fresh tomatoes chopped*
2 TB tomato paste
1 cup of Wine or Beer ( I like using a Sweet Red)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
Sweet Hawaiian Sandwich Rolls, Hoagie Rolls, or Pita Bread

*No fresh tomatoes? Try using 1 15 oz. can of dice tomatoes

1.) Poke holes into sausage links with a fork. In a skillet on medium high heat, brown the sausage on all sides. Remove from skillet, and drain.

2.) Add olive oil, chopped onions and peppers. Cook on medium heat until soft, translucent and sweet, 5 -8 minutes. Add garlic, and cook for 2 minutes longer.

3.) Add tomatoes paste, tomatoes, and wine. Stir to incorporate.

4.) Slice the sausage links into 1/2 inch bites. Add to the onion and pepper mixture.Stir and cover and cook for 15 minutes. Remove lid and cook another 10 - 15 minutes more until sauce has thickened.

Serve in rolls or in a bowl all on its own. Great with onion rings or french fries!

Shabby Chic Nightstand: Antiquing and old bedside table.

2013-04-12T05:25:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I'm saying this.

I UNDERSTAND HER.

EUREKA!

EUREKA, I SAY!

I understand that poor misunderstood soul of a 12 year old daughter.

And I don't know how it happened.

It was like I was wishing it to be so badly.

I started looking for ways to connect with her.

Shopping.

Watching movies.

Reading the same books she was assigned at school.

And I failed at most of it.

Half doing it.

Or wanting to do it, and postponing it.

Or starting a book, and then never finishing it.

But you get the point.

I TRIED.

And I think the universe started stirring and then my eyes were opened. . . . and I saw her.

Actually.

I saw ME in HER.

Scared.

Feisty.

WAY TOO independent.

Wanting to do the right thing.

But never being heard!

Screaming for attention.

Not getting the type she craved.

I did.

I saw myself in her.

And I think I'll never be the same.

I hope I don't forget.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

And so now I can't forget her.

She's on my brains all the time.

Not that she hasn't always been.

It's just different now.

The realization has hit that she really only has 6 more years under our roof.

Geez.

That's scary.

I want her to be happy and comfortable and feel loved.

HERE.

NOW.

ALWAYS.

And that translates to

Me + Shelbi = Me doing stuff for her room.

And she needed a nightstand.

This is what it looked like when I found it at Goodwill.

U-G-L-Y.

It didn't have any alibi.

Because it was UGLY.

What, What?

It was ugly.

But, only $12.99. ..

and solid wood (mostly).

And good working drawers.

So. . .

there you go. . .

Hope you like these ugly navy blue drawers in your black, white, pink and green room Shelbi. It shouldn't clash. . .too much.

She's looking at me sideways. Eyelids lowered. Gagging herself with a spoon.

Okay. Okay.

Lets see what we can do.

I grabbed some paint that I had around the house.

BEHR. Almost white or something.

It's what I use to repaint scuff marks on the floor boards.

Or what I'm supposed to be using to paint the floor boards.

Haven't ACTUALLY gotten around to that. . . . . .yet.

FIRST - JUST ONE THIN COAT.

Then two.

And three and four until it looks just right.

In my unprofessional opinion,

this is what makes it looks professional.

Oh! Don't forget to bring the durn thing into the garage because you forgot to check the weather and its going to rain.

In like 10 minutes.

And your dresser is still wet.

So just balance it on the tips of your finger-nails.

No worries. And then carry it through the house to the garage. Watch out for those 50 million play wooden toys on the floor. . .Don't slip!

And just as you finish your last coat of paint. . .

Answer the phone as it rings!

Because its your husband.

And he's going to ask you what your doing.

And your going to say, "painting."

And he's going to say, "where?"

And when you say, "the garage"

he's going to sigh and say "are we doing that again? not near the cars okay? and not on the garage floor okay?"

And you say, "okay!" cheerfully.

And then drop a few paints droplets on the garage floor just because . .well. . .you're you.

Once the paint on the table and the garage floor is thoroughly dry . . . .

Grab some sandpaper and mess it up.

Only slightly.

By rubbing gently on the white paint to reveal the ugly blue beneath.

But if you only do it slightly, the ugly blue is awesome antique.

'Awesome' as in it looks like you spent a ton of money on this 'antique.'

Next.

Go. To. Hobby Lobby.

They have mad wicked drawer knobs there (bought these on sale for $2.00 a piece).

And by 'mad wicked' I mean the exact opposite.

Probably the prettiest selection of knobs that will make you 'elated sainted.'

Screw those bad boys in.

And Voila!

A nightstand.

Old.

Yet New.

And totes worth a million bucks.

Contact paper from the $ Dollar Tree. Remember when I used it on Shelbi's Plastic Drawers?

She's still not making her bed :(

This is what I need. . .Hydrangeas.

2013-04-10T10:57:00.000-05:00

My husband got a little perturbed with me the other day.

"Seriously." He says. "You went to the Garden Nursery INSTEAD of going to the grocery store?"

He was angry in that way nice people get pissed off, annoyed, and totally disappointed in the people they love. Not really yelling, but his tone. . .boy. . .I could hear it in his tone.

"We don't have any food in this house. And I need food for lunch. And the kids need snacks.. . . ." And then he went on from there, but I zoned. out.

I was rather ticked myself.
Because honestly, I didn't care that we needed food.
It was either go to the nursery OR the grocery, and I didn't have time for both.

So I chose the food that would fill my spirit.
I wish that I would've had the presence of mind to tell him that. . . . . exactly.

I wish that I would've told him,
"My spirit lives on more that just food.
And gardening sometimes. . . . nourishes my spirit.
I need it just like I need food.
It wasn't really a choice.
I HAD to go."

But I didn't say that.
I think I just rolled my eyes, threw something on the floor, and mumbled something about never having enough time to do everything I need to do.

But next time.
I will say it.
Gardening and plants are more to me.
They are memories of the people I love so far away.
They are my grandfather and the smells of fig leaves and tomatoes on the counter.
They are my mothers strong hands, veiny and pink entwined in dirt and cantaloupe vines.
They are summers, and spring, and hope of a better time to come.

It is what I need.
This is what I will tell him next time.
And he will think I'm crazy.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

When I was. . .. .
8 maybe.. . .
I used to sit on my grandfathers porch in Louisiana and melt away in the summertime with my sister and cousins.
Usually I'd drink a soda, and have a Butterfinger in one hand and we'd take turns leaping over the hydrangea bushes that lined the front porch.

That is why I MUST have hydrangea in my yard.
That is why I did not go to the grocery store.
I woke up, and remembered hYDRANGEAS were on sale for $2.99, and I had to go.
Just had to.

Now, when I look into my sparse yard I feel my grandfather.
I know he will help me tend to my garden this year.
Maybe whisper secrets in my ears on how to make my fig tree grow as tall and as fine as his.
Or when I sit on my back patio he will blow the wind my way so that the sweet honey smells of my Satsuma tree make me smile.

I know he would do that for me if he could.
Because although he was a grumpy old man,
I know that he loved to garden,
and he loved me.

Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Muffins, Yelling too much and A Gluten-Free Whole Grains Cookbook GIVEAWAY!

2013-04-03T10:44:00.001-05:00

I'm a little grumpy.
Ok.
I'm a lot grumpy.
My eyes are itchy.
I've got a tiny heat rash all on my head.
My knees hurt. Old basketball injury.
My feet are sore.
And nobody listens to me.

I shouted about the whole shebang on Saturday.
Nobody really heard what I was shouting about.
They heard the yelling, it was kinda impossible to ignore.
But THE HEART OF IT, I fear was lost. . .in all the ruckus.

WHICH IS WHY . . . . .
one should not shout.
BECAUSE. . . .
the message is lost in all the ruckus.
My mother always tells me this very thing.
Duh.

And so now, I'm sitting here thinking. . . .
I don't want to yell.
I don't want to be grumpy.
I want to appreciate all the wonderful things in my life, every single moment.

What would I choose differently, to ease my grumpiness woes?
I would not choose one less child.
I would not marry another or want to live in any other toad hole but my toad hole.

So I really shouldn't complain.
Or yell.
I know the truth. It has been here all along.
Happiness lives in me.
At every moment,
My peace can be found.
Others won't bring it to me.
Others don't dictate whether I'm at peace or at war.
Only I do that.

I think I must return to meditating daily.
I seem to have lost my center.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I wrote all of that down, because its true.
But a big part of me wants to SHOUT, " Its not true! Don't listen! Its all their fault, THEY make me grumpy. THEY ARE ALL making me tired! Tired I SAY."

See there I go.
Shouting again.
And silly girl, I should tell myself. They don't make you tired. You make you tired. Stop making life out to be so much work!
Throw confetti eggs.
Plant stuff in your garden.
Make muffins.

AND. . .
maybe. . .
just maybe. . .
change the way you eat.

I'm seriously thinking about going GLUTEN-FREE, just for a bit to see if it helps me re-center myself. Maybe lose a little weight, and maybe calm the mess down. Currently, on my bedside table is The Complete Gluten Free Whole Grains Cookbook. I've got to say the recipes are pretty tempting and makes going Gluten-Free seem rather wonderful.

I've yet to make all the recipes in the book, but I have made the muffins and the a Leafy Green Minestrone and they were both out. of. sight. delicious.

So this is where I'm at today.
Contemplating restricting my diet.
Eating Muffins.
Working in my garden.
And not mopping or vacuuming my house.

I'm looking for my center.
And I'm pretty sure I won't find it in house work.

IN THE COMMENTS BELOW:

Tell me where your CENTER is. . . (maybe mine is there too)
And if you've ever gone or wanted to go GLUTEN-FREE.

And then, You'll be entered in the GLUTEN FREE WHOLE GRAINS COOKBOOK (by Judith Finlayson) Giveaway!

See.
Look.
Isn't it Pretty.

THE RULES

One entry per person, please. Or I'll charge for the Gluten. And then it won't be free, and it'll totally screw up a generation of Gluten-Free eaters. And nobody wants that.

The Complete Gluten-Free Whole Grains Cookbook GIVEAWAY has been extended to April 12th, 2013 at midnight CST. Winners will be announced on Saturday, April 13th, 2013 Entrants limited to US and Canada. Winners will be chosen randomly using http://www.random.org/

Good Luck!

And the winner is. . .

Jennifer McKenna Davis

My family is my center. I have thought of going gluten free since my sister has.

Jennifer at Utahqueenofchaos.com

Congratulations! Please contact me at nickiwoo.thehomeguru@gmail.com to collect your prize in the next 48 hours or another winner will be selected.

And now. .. .the recipe. . . .

Cranberry Orange Muffins

These muffins are so delicious it’s hard to believe they are also nutritious and convenient to boot. You can make the batter ahead of time and refrigerate overnight (see Tips). Put them in the oven before you shower, and by the time you’re finished, your muffins will be ready to eat.

Tips

If you’re making the batter ahead of time, don’t add the cranberries until you’re ready to bake. You can chop them, cover and refrigerate overnight. The batter will keep for two nights, so if you’re baking half, chop half the cranberries and do the remainder the following night.

Always check the labels of dairy products, such as yogurt, to make sure they are gluten-free.

Use fresh or frozen cranberries. If using frozen, partially thaw them and blot in paper towel before adding to the batter.

VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)

• 12-cup muffin tin, lightly greased

1⁄2 cup sorghum flour 125 mL

1⁄2 cup brown rice flour 125 mL

1⁄2 cup coconut flour 125 mL

1⁄4 cup tapioca flour 60 mL

3⁄4 cup granulated sugar 175 mL

3⁄4 cup chopped pecans 175 mL

1 tsp gluten-free baking powder 5 mL

1 tsp xanthan gum 5 mL

1⁄2 tsp salt 2 mL

1⁄2 tsp baking soda 2 mL

1 egg 1

2⁄3 cup plain full-fat yogurt (see Tips) 150 mL

2 tsp finely grated orange zest 10 mL

1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice 250 mL

1⁄4 cup vegetable oil 60 mL

11⁄2 cups cranberries, coarsely chopped (see Tips) 375 mL

1. In a large bowl, combine sorghum, brown rice, coconut and tapioca flours, sugar, pecans, baking powder, xanthan gum, salt and baking soda. Mix well and make a well in the center.

2. In a separate bowl, beat egg. Add yogurt, orange zest, orange juice and oil and beat well. Pour into the well and mix with dry ingredients just until blended. Fold in cranberries. Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups. Bake in preheated oven until the top springs back when lightly touched, about 25 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before removing from pan.

Makes 12 muffins

Trash INTO Treasure: Refurbished Ugly Goodwill Sign into PORCH RULES Front Porch Sign.

2013-03-27T05:39:00.001-05:00

I'll feel better about this whole situation if I just tell you.

We didn't go to Mass (church) on Sunday.
I know, I know.
It was Palm Sunday. We should have gone. It was horrible that we didn't go.

And why didn't we go?
Because, ummm. . . .we had softball.
And I won't get into the details of the whole thing, but we were sleepy so we slept instead, and then went to softball.

In defense of myself. . .
On the way to softball, at 9:30 AM, while I was eating fried rice and my children were wolfing down a leftover Super Fat Back from Jack in the Box, I lowered the radio down in the car and turned around in my seat and said . . .

Hey Guys. You know it's Sunday, right?

Yeeeessssss. . . .

And today is not just any Sunday. It's Palm Sunday. It's an important day. It's the day that Jesus returned to Jerusalem adoringly and the people lined the streets with Palm branches for him to walk on. So his feet didn't touch the dirt. I think. Like a King. Triumphant. It's the beginning of Holy Week. And then Good Friday and Easter come. It's important.

Shelbi rolls her eyes.

And we are not at church today. Today we decided to let you sleep in then go to softball.

Shelbi rolls her eyes again.

I just wanted you to know that Daddy and I recognize that today is a big day in the church. And we aren't taking it lightly that we are missing it. But . . . .It's important that you understand that WE believe that God is everywhere and in everything. And that you don't have to be in a church to feel him or adore him. On this Palm Sunday, when you guys are on the field playing softball WE want you to remember that God is with you. And that Jesus died for you so that you could be happy at this moment and so that you could use your God given talents to play softball. Be grateful for the sunshine, and your friends and your coaches who give you their time and expertise. Be loving and a source of encouragement for your team mates. Be leaders, and givers and kind, in the name of Jesus Christ. And today, especially remember that God is with you, and that you can do all things through God who strengthens you.

Shelbi rolls her eyes.

We say a prayer.

I remind them to make the sign of the cross and then I say Amen . . . .LOUD.
They murmur it.
I turn around in my seat. And turn the radio up.
Then I point out the window at the ocean.
The beauty. The wonder.
And I tell them, "Look. God is here."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

And then we went to softball and brought the house down.
Soledad's team got 3rd place in the 6U division.

And in 8U, Bella's team got 1st.
Bella. . . .sweet Bella. . . .
with no time left, 2 outs, and 2 strikes (and we were behind by 1) hit a doozy directly over right field and brought two girls home for the win.
DID YOU HEAR ME?
FOR. THE. WIN.
WE WON BY ONE POINT.
It all was very exciting.
So exciting, that the children lost their minds.
Oh well.
Whatever they have to do for the game.
Sacrifice your sanity.
Fine by me.

Yup.
And you know what I said on the way home, don't you?

"See I told you. God was with you."
And I got smiles all around.
Though, God would have been with them had they lost. Which they very well could have. Because I'm sure God was with the other team too. Right? Isn't that the point?
But I didn't tell them that. I was trying to encourage them and make myself look better.

I think what we've really learned here is. . .
1. I am brilliant.
2. God is in the little moments. THE BIG Moments. And every moment in between.

I forget it often.
I'm constantly reminding myself of this.

Which is why I think I'm currently addicted to signs.
Black signs with white writing.
That remind me of this point, in a round about way.

Today, I'm making one for my tiny front porch.
Because when I read it, it reminds me of the beauty of the small moments.
The moments of life. Peace, love and all that Jazz.

Don't laugh when I tell you what the sign says.

READ A BOOK
sip ICED Tea or HOT chocolate
ENJOY the Season
Feel the BREEZES
LISTEN to the BIRDS
R E L A X

That's God (to me) in a nutshell.
It may or not be a lazy form of religion.
But in any case. . .

I know God wanted me to make this sign, cuz it was CHEAP.

$4 for the Wooden Ugly Painting at Goodwill
96 cents for the Black Spray Paint to Cover it Up.
$0 for White acrylic paint that I already had (though if you have to buy it, its rather inexpensive.)
$0 for Spar Urethane that I used to seal the picture (same stuff used for sealing wooden doors) because I already had it. You could use some other type of outdoor clear paint sealer. Spar Urethane is just what I had.

First, I spray painted the ugly Goodwill painting black. Let it dry.

Then I hand painted the words onto it. Let it dry.

Sprayed it with Spar Urethane. And hung it.
Not bad.
Not bad at all.

Newspaper to Prevent Weeds and Possibly Made Up Conversations.

2013-03-21T06:12:00.001-05:00

So.
I had a conversation today, where I said something I shouldn't have said. And I'm thinking I might try and fix it tomorrow.

But!
Before I do, I need a trial run. You know. To see if it's really worth the trouble.

THE TRIAL RUN

I'll Say: Hi!

She'll Say: Hey There!

I'll Say: You know yesterday when I called you on the phone?

She Say: Yeah.

I'll Say: Well, I got to thinking . . . . .and when I told you to let everyone know what you're feeling and not to worry about the future, just live for today, I meant it.

She'll Say: Okay.

I'll Say: But then when I said, it's just like the bible says "blah, blah, blah". I mean I know I didn't say 'blah, blah, blah', but I said something the bible says that was relevant, and sounded good at the time. But I don't remember right now. But I'm sure it was good.

She'll Say: Huh?

I'll Say: I mean it was true. What I said. The bible does say that. Whatever it is I said. But what I want to say to you is that I didn't mean to infer that you read the bible.

She'll Say: So you think I'm illiterate?

I'll Say: Nooooo. I just shouldn't have assumed you read the bible. Or the Koran. Or any holy book. I mean, I'm sure you CAN read. You can read, right? I just meant, maybe your not Christian. I shouldn't have assumed that YOU read the bible. . . . . I hate it when people assume I'm baptist because I'm black. Lots of blacks are catholic. Well maybe not lots. My husband always says he never met a black catholic until he met me. And he hasn't met one since. But that's a lie. He's a liar. Other black people who are Catholic who are my relatives he has met. My mom. My sister. My whole durn family.

She'll Say: What are you talking about?

I'll Say: Life. Realness. Accepting others and appreciating their choices. I'm okay that your Buddhist. Or whatever.

She'll Say: I'm not Buddhist.

I'll Say: Oh.

She'll Say: I'm Baptist.

I'll Say: Okay. Never mind then.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

This is what happens when I garden.
I get to think. I get to ponder.
I wonder about things that I've said during the day that were stupid.

Oh.
How I love spring.
A time to reflect on life.

Anyway, no recipes just yet, I'm still working in the garden.
This is what I'm up to. . . .

I weeded.

And then I layed down newspaper. Helps to prevent WEEDS.

Wet it with the hose. Then. . . .Covered it with mulch, and a few worms.

Love this.

This fool is crazy. He tried to jump on me and wrestle me to the ground.

I got a new variety of cukes this year, Straight 8's. You guessed it, they are supposed to be super straight. Novel idea. Last year my cucumber gardening sucked big fat lollipops.

I also planted cherry, pear, roma, patio tomatoes, bell and banana peppers and a host full of herbs. Oregano and Basil I planted by seed, and covered with palettes so those rotten cats wouldn't mess with them. Really Fiona, if your reading this blog, STAY OUT OF MY MULCH. AND IF YOUR READING THIS BLOG, I'M CAPTURING YOU AND SELLING YOU OFF IN THE NAME OF SCIENCE RESEARCH AND PISSED OFF GARDENERS EVERYWHERE. YOU'RE A BAD CAT. Just rotten.

More still to do.
Today, I'm cleaning up the hydrangea flower bed and planting some lettuce in a pot.
I'm going to try the cut and come again method. Should be interesting.
Also Warwick is SUPPOSED to plant the Satsuma and Fig Trees.

And, I'm working on a little front porch project, that I think my husband might hate.
But we shall see.
We shall see.

Spring Time Plantings And Playing Tough.

2013-03-18T09:45:00.000-05:00

Pink and Yellow Lantanas.

6:24 am

I slid my feet across the floor until I reached Bella and Soledad's room.
I flicked the lights on, and nuzzled them to wake up.

Like always, they didn't want to get up, so I stayed and pleaded,"Please get up. If you get up and get dressed, when you make it down stairs, you can rest on the couch. OK?"

"OK." they say in chorus.

I watched as they got dressed.
A scratch on Bella's forehead.
A bruise on her thigh.
Battle wounds all along her arms and legs.
It was a tough fought weekend for her.
She had the state basketball tournament in Dallas, and her body is wearing the medallions of war.

It shouldn't have been so hard for her.
But it was.
She was pushed, clawed, tripped and attacked, all in the name of basketball.
It shouldn't have been that way. It was too hard to watch.
She had tears in her eyes, but every time she placed both hands firmly on the ground and pushed herself back up.
Strong girl.
She did not push back.
She played fair.
She put the ball to the court, held her head up and dared them to attack. And they did.
And she was ready.

She led her team, and they followed.
She showed them how to be fierce and strong, and good and a real sport.
Good girl. My love.
You will always rise in this world because you play by the rules.
You will always find love, because you are love.
Greatness will always find you, because you seek it.

Congrats Purple Rockets! 5th Place in State. Job Well Done.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

It was horrible and wonderful to watch.
No pictures here, because well . . . . I was having a hard time watching with nothing in my hands, it was brutal.

This week, I think is going to be much more demure.
Bella just wants to get out in the garden and water our new spring plantings.
She's a granola baby, through and through.
Tomato lover.
Sandwich devourer.
Grass stain getter.
She needs clean air and nature so she can recharge.

So just plants today.
In greens and bright Hot Pinks.
To remind us of the excitement that spring brings.

Softball.
Fresh Homegrown Vegetables.
Green Grass.
Crazy bugs, with long legs and whackadoo wings.

Flowers. Flowers. Flowers.
Newness.
Promise.
Hope.

Welcome Spring.

Seventh Generation Free & Clear Wipes Giveaway!!! And living in the moment. This moment. Not the next. Or the last. This one. This one. This one.

2013-03-11T12:08:00.000-05:00

So.
This week, my thing is. . . . .being in the moment.
It was supposed to be my thing last week, and the week before that, but I got mad too often.
Lost my mind, much too much.
And ummm. . .well. . .That doesn't lean too much toward enlightenment, you know.

So here goes this weeks attempt toward peace and wonderment.
I sat, observed, and enjoyed my child's (Soledad's) SOLO (oh my goodness. oh my goodness. i'm gonna die. i'm gonna die) performance in her 1st Grade Class Musical.
I was in the moment.
Tears fell from my eyes.

My heart skipped several beats.
I kissed her twenty million times.
I thought, Warwick and I are doing a good job.
And so is she.
But WE should definitely get ALL the credit.

I issued one pink heart lollipop, and watched the issuee (is that even a word?) eat it.

I noticed that every time Phoebe eats yogurt, she checks to make sure nothing is in it. And by nothing I mean no extraneous healthy bits. No fruit. No granola. No wayward spinach leaf.

And I noticed that I melt at the sign of nurseries.
Of the garden variety.
And I get to weeping when my husband shows any form of interest in buying flowers. or shrubs. or fertilizer.
I think it's because it reminds me of the early days in our little family.
In our first house.
When there was only Shelbi.
When we planted the mess out of our yard.
Daisies, Plumeria, Lemon Grass. Anything we could get our hands on.
My nails were always dirty.
He always smelled like grass.

And I noticed. . .
that I also weep at any sign of the other type of nurseries.
You know.
The sweet poopy baby kind.
Because well. . .
My babies are all growing up.
In fact, I don't even call them "baby", that often anymore.
Ok. I do. But, it's not literal anymore.

It's been a good exercise.
Teaching me that my 'babies' are still 'babies'. They still need me in a million different ways.
Look what I noticed, while noticing my tendency not to notice the moment.
Baby. Child. Children.
Cleaning their grubby little faces without even being asked.

Be still my beating heart.
And look her big sister helped her.
Be still that durn heart again.

Some other things I noticed.. . .

Seventh Generation Free & Clear Wipes

Don't give my sensitive skin children (2 with eczema, all 4 with sensitivities) dry itchy skin.
No parabens! No synthetic fragrances! No phthalates!
Cloths are strong! They hold up to potty training residual dried on crusty messes that were wiped originally by 3 year olds, but ummm. . .not as good as they should have been:)
They are larger! You can use just one wipe, and cut down on waste, thus.. . . .saving money!

Other facts:

Unscented

64 come in a pack

Hypo-allergenic

They are genius for wiping tears from crying mommy's at 1st Grade Musicals, they clean dirty feet as well as dirty noses and potty training hineys. The flip top reclosable lid is great so that you can keep a spare pack handy in the car to rub down your odoriferous 8 and 12 year old children after basketball practice. Or husband after he's been digging in the garden:)

• Suggested retail price for 64 is $2.99. Available at Target, Whole Foods and Diapers.com

AND NOW. . . .

Because I love you guys so. durn. much.
Because you know, I'm a SAP. SAP. SAP.
Because these days I'm into gardening nurseries and little baby nurseries, crying my eyes out, and wiping my kids butt off. . . .

I'm giving away . . . . . .

ONE 64-Count Package of Seventh Generation Free & Clear Wipes

TO ENTER:

Just answer the following question in the Comments section of this post:

"What moments have been special to you this week? ”

THE RULES

One entry per person, please. Though you can share as many moments as you like. The more the merrier, the sweeter the juice. I don't think that's how that saying goes, but you follow me. You're bright.

The Seventh Generation Free & Clear Wipes GIVEAWAY will end March 19th, 2013 at midnight CST. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, March 20th, 2013. Entrants limited to US and Canada. They will be chosen randomly using http://www.random.org/

Good Luck!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

And the winner is. . .

Kari Flores

My husband is coming back from deployment in Africa today.

Please contact me at nickiwoo.thehomeguru@gmail.com in the next 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I was invited to participate in this Seventh Generation campaign through my association with The Motherhood. ALL opinions are mine, always have been, much to the chagrin of my mother. Sorry mom.

Flank Steak on Fajitas, Flank Steak on Rice, Flank Steak in 15 minutes, broils up quite nice.

2013-03-07T11:01:00.002-06:00

In my head today. . . . .

When I was 8, I had an Aunt who chewed the mess out of gum.

I was envious of her jaws. They way they barely moved, as they maneuvered there way, up, down, and around. And every 2-3 seconds the gum would pop! Kind of like Pop rocks, but in a much more sophisticated way. I thought, one day my gum is going to pop like that.

When I was 10, I noticed my mom had a lovely long straight nose. It reminded me of a witches nose, less the warts and bumpiness. Pronounced. Out There. Beautifully Arranged.

My nose was smaller. Buttoney, and a little broad, too much like my father's.

I wished my nose would lengthen and fashion itself just like my mother's.

And as an odd stroke of craziness hit me yesterday,

Heaven helped me.

Literally.

Because these things have come to pass.

This .

Yesterday while driving Phoebe to school in my clean ride and strategically messy ponytail and shades. . .

I suddenly heard Pop Rocks.

Only it wasn't pop rocks, it was my gum.

I am what I thought I'd be.

A sophisticated gum chewer.

Only, maybe that's not sophisticated.

Maybe its annoying, to anyone but an 8 year old.

And then when my possibly/possibly not sophisticated gum chewing self got home and looked into the mirror, I noticed something.

A long, pronounced nose, like my mothers.

No longer cute. No longer buttoney and broad.

The nose I'd always wanted . . .

I had.

And I couldn't help but think,

all these things that I've been wishing for all my life,

I've gotten.

Silly or not, the HARD wishing seems to bring them out of the ether.

The type of wishing where it weaves into the mind during the quiet moments.

During the stillness.

Before and after the dreams.

Sophisticated gum chewing.

Long Pronounced Witch Nose.

Kids.

Love.

Man.

Wife.

Peace.

Hope.

Harmony.

Sometimes.

Just enough.

Money.

Clean house.

When needed for sanity.

Somehow, it all just appears when it should.

-- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The latest thing that is appearing just when I need it.

Meals.

Quick Meals.

Like I'm gonna rock this meal! Kind of meal. With meat and veg and yum!

Like grubbin' that only comes out on Hillbilly Sunday.

I'm not kidding.

I've been on a role this week.

I've made my sister's homemade meatloaf (recipe coming) , California Burgers, and Fajitas for dinner this week. And it all took me less than 15 minutes to prepare.

I think it came to me

Because I needed this.

I needed good food.

That my kids would eat. That I could enjoy. That would somehow make all the craziness of sports, and school and whatever, seem not so. . .lunatic.

This flank steak did that for me.

It was AWESOME.

Let it do that for you too.

FLANK STEAK IN THE BROILER: DINNER DONE IN UNDER 15 MINUTES!!!!
We ate these on homemade tortillas (that I bought from HEB's Tortilleria). Maybe I served it with salad, and beans or rice, I can't remember. But I do remember everybody gobbling these suckers down. Seriously shoving it down their throats. And it only took 15 minutes.. . .I really should make these more often.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 pound flank steak
Creole Seasoning (favorite seasoning salt)
Olive or Canola Oil
2 tablespoons olive oil
Tortillas, optional
diced tomatoes, fresh spinach and salsa as garnish.

Directions:

1. Turn broiler on high. Season flank steak (on both sides) with Creole Seasoning. Drizzle with oil. Place on broiler pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove from broiler. Allow to rest for 10 minutes.

2. Slice the flank steak into thin strips, against the grain. Serve with tortillas and other accouterments.

Decorating a Pre-Teens Room With Instagram:) LOL. BFF. OMG.

2013-02-27T06:38:00.000-06:00

ODE TO INSTAGRAM

Oh! Sweet App How I Love Thee!

And to think. . .you were purchased for free.

So why then, don't I use you?

When then, do you linger on my phone like a pretty girl at a dance with no one to dance with?

I have made a commitment to tap on you more.

To tap on you and friend 'friends' that I do not know thru you.

I will find those said friends and look at their Instagrams.

I will laugh. Ha!

How funny!

How crafty!

How very, very, interesting. . . . .

And think to myself. . .

I'm fun, crafty, and interesting, I'll post this odd picture of a bird in my yard.

Yes! Brilliant!

And then I will make some witty comment.

. . . .and caption it with LOL.

And I will be part of the fold.

Yes.

I will.

Be a part of the fold.

And I will no longer be jealous of all the others.

The others who live their lives and share.

The funny, witty, and thought provoking.

It will make me better.

Or atleast,

I'll have more pictures.

Which I think,

makes everyone better.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Guess what.

I'm still in Shelbi's room. So is Phoebe.

Little by little, trying to make it a pre-teens room.

A room that is more . . . . her.

Now that I've made her the Personalized Pinboard and covered her plastic drawers with contact paper, I'm moving on to the center of the room, her 'bed sprawling never going to make it up area.' I bought her a new comforter, thinking it might provide some incentive for her to make it in the morning. Not to mention, I'm pretty sure she was tired of the ballerinas on the old one. Not that she was ever the dancing type.

Black and White Damask. OMG. She luvs damask. I'm not LOLing. She totes LUVs it.

And then . . . .I had a mind blowing idea.
Or a good idea at least.

Actually, I thought of this like 2 months ago, but you know. . .sometimes it takes me a while to implement.

Instagram Pics on the Wall Behind Her Bed!

Mind Blowing, right???

Jumping on the bed, not so mind blowing.
Or brilliant.

Phoebe! Knock. It. Off.

Your behavior.

Not the picture frames on the wall.

Shelbi is on Instagram, and I follow her posts religiously.

She has to tell me before she posts anything (as I require permission for anything that remotely has to do with the freedom ), and I've been noticing the pics she takes are beautiful. wonderful. funny. well. thought. out.

So me thinks i will . .

Put them on her wall.

I wanted something in her room to remind her how great her life is.

How pretty she is.

What fantastic friends she has.

And. . .

How much I love her.

To do this for her, without her asking.

Or knowing.

Just cuz.

Now.. . .I'll break it on down.

Black and White Damask Comforter is from Wal-Mart. $40-$45

Picture frames were purchased at THE DOLLAR TREE! 16 frames = $16 dollars

And the prints. . . were only 78 cents per 8 X10 (plus shipping) ordered from http://www.sharpprints.com $12.48 plus 7 dollars shipping.

Click her For a quick tutortial on how to hang pictures the fast and easy way.

Apple, Lemon, Kale Juice (in a blender, of course) and the end of basketball:(

2013-02-21T09:25:00.000-06:00

It's almost over.

And I'm really sad about it.

I'm sad because it made me so happy.

Happy like, I'm doing something right.

Happy like, they are great! they are strong! they are tough!

One more series of games left.

The denouement, will be the final tournament this weekend.

All my girls teams, have all wins, and only one loss.

Loss.

It will be another 4 months until they play again.

It seems like forever.

Ever.

Will I see that same gleam in their eyes when they play softball?

Or when they throw the Volleyball up in the air,

and watch it float. . .

as they wait to slam it as hard as they can,

right into oblivion. . . .

I hope so.

I hope I see shining eyes.

And fierce hearts,

and little girls who stand so tough, so tall,

that not even the forces of hell could knock them down.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I like STRONG girls.

No doubt.

I don't like baby voices.

Ick.

I don't like crying all the time because I fell down.

No blood.

No big giant gash, or acute swelling.

Then. . .

I'm not interested.

I like smart.

Not stupid.

I like work hard.

Walk tall.

No slouch.

No lazy.

I also like FUN AND SWEET AND KIND.

With cute chubby cheeks.

A fat sloppy wet kisses.

I love those type of girls.

I'm building them up to be them.

But I'm trying to show them how to be their best.

I'm sure I must be annoying.

I have a lot of things that are non negotiable on my TO DO list.

You don't have to play sports. . .

but you must be active.

You don't have to eat all your vegetables,

but Lord help me, you have to eat some of them.

I like movement and I like healthy.

And that is non negotiable.

Its the natural.

That's what I like.

It's beautiful. And it makes you strong Soledad (my six year old)! And green is not mean! And radish leaves in a giant big salad with Asian dressing rocks! And all the foods you love, can be healthy, (I promise)!!!! Trust me!

Please listen to me.

I'm tired of repeating myself.

Children.

Food is beauty.

WE (I) like beautiful food in vibrant colors, grown in the ground.

We (I) like it because it makes us all

beautiful.

On the inside.

Where it counts.

And natural.

~~And less likely to talk in baby voices. And cry for silly reasons.~~

And connected to the GREATER.

This week, I got a green plastic bin filled with natural beautiful things.

All grown right here in my town. And when I opened it, I almost didn't want to put the vegetables away, because they were so lovely to look at.

It came from local company called Greenling.

Greenling is brilliant. They load up their cars and drive their produce right to you. Helping local business, sustaining agriculture and giving me more time to do other things. . .

. Look at all these beauties I received. .. . . .

THE LOCAL BOX: It changes weekly depending on what is available locally. And the craziness of it all. . . I just ran out of goods like a day ago. And check out all the yum I've cooked this week.

Orange Coconut Banana Bread

Sweet Potato an Corn Chowder with Kale

Simple Greens and Pasta

In the box, they also provided a list of 4 recipes, just in case your looking for ideas.

You can check them out at http://www.greenling.com

Maybe they're in your area too.

Or you can follow them on Facebook. They are very punny. Funny and full of puns! Get it???

Anyway. .

I better go.

I hear my lovely non-crying, non-baby talking athletes screaming at the top of their lungs up at 6:14 am.

I think someone is crying.

And I can hear the faint echoes of baby talk.

Laters.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Apple, Lemon, Kale/Spinach Juice

I made this with the Kale from my local box:) Oh man. It was good. So good that the pulp that I normally throw away, my kids ate. It tasted like some yummy sweet exotic apple sauce. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Ingredients:

6 handfuls of greens (Kale or Spinach) about a bunch

1 Lemon, peeled

1 Apple, peeled

Apple juice, about 1 cup (or your fave juice)

Directions:

Throw all the ingredients in a blender. Blend. Strain. Slurp.

Contact Paper & Decor: Covering Some Old Plastic Drawers.

2013-02-19T12:59:00.000-06:00

I have a 12 year old.

And she's quite the funny character.

Very moody.

Too bossy.

Lovable beyond measure.

When I was 25, I didn't know being a mother would be like this.

Like I am some overprotective big sister, always looking out for what this kid is doing.

Right.

Wrong.

Weird.

When I was 25, I didn't know that she would tickle me so.

That she would amaze me with my likeness.

I didn't know she'd be artistic.

And smart.

Brilliant in math.

Genius with colors.

I didn't know that she would take pictures that would make me think.

Would make me wonder, what goes on in her mind?

Look, at what she finds important.

Look! They are the same things I find endearing. enduring.

Her Hair!

Her style.

Her choice in cupcakes and friends:)

When I was 25 I didn't know that being a mother wasn't about cleaning, and fixing, and doing. Which of course it is.

But really, it's mostly about love.

Giving love.

Finding love.

Sharing and hoping to spread love.

Seeing it in all the things around us.

Everyday.

In every moment.

In hair. In cupcakes. In legs and in cameras.

It looks like my kid is teaching me so much.

Love is all around.

Feel it.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

I'm working on Shelbi's room, little, by little. Adding things to make it more. . . .her.

The her I'm just starting to get to know better.

I think she's just starting to know herself better too.

Her. . .

She. . .

Loves black and white.

In Damask.

In florals.

In Zebra. But only sometimes.

Today I went up to her room and covered some hideous plastic drawers that she insisted on having next to her desk.

I covered the see-thru drawers with contact paper (Dollar Store. . .Holla!)

Black and White.

See, my love. I'm listening.

Floral.

Not quite damask.

But Victorian-ish. Just like you showed me you liked.

I think it looks much better.

I'm hoping she'll come home from school today, walk up the stairs and into her room, and smile.

Then come out, look over the banister and whisper to me. . . .

Thank You.

I love it.

Thank you for thinking of me and doing something that fits me so.

My style.

Thank you for noticing.

While I was up there I noticed these. . . .

Money Jars. Made with Decoupage.

One to spend.

One to save.

She worked on them yesterday afternoon.

I love that she's artistic.

Crafty.

And quite posh in her own way.

It's lovely to see the woman she is becoming.

Mardi Gras in Galveston, TX. And King Cake. And Jambalaya and Crawfish Pie on the Bayou.

2013-02-12T14:09:00.000-06:00

A baby/ 3 year old is crying incessantly. She is sitting perched upon her fathers shoulders.

Phoebe: Momma! Momma!

Me: What's wrong Phoebe?

Phoebe: Daddy isn't doing a good job!

ME: Huh?

Phoebe: The Jewelery Momma! Daddy isn't stopping the jewelry from hitting my face.

Me: Oh honey. It's okay. I'll tell Daddy to do a better job.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Around these parts its Mardi Gras time.

Time for babies to get whiplash from swaying their heads side to side as they try to dodge flying beads because their loving fathers put them atop their shoulders to acquire the most loot.

These are the things you must learn as a child of the Mardi Gras belt.

No time for crying.

No time for dieting.

It's FAT TUESDAY!

It's time to eat!

Fat Tuesday has a particular useful meaning to me this year because I'm on a diet.

No carbs.

No starchy veggies.

Not even a piece of fruit.

But not today!

Today I will eat.

Some yogurt for breakfast. Sorry not very interesting. But tasty.

Cafe con leche for snack.

Chicken Breast and pickled beets for lunch (strange as it sounds, its good). And maybe a few chocolate flavored Quaker rice cakes. I'm totes addicted.

Second snack, probably some roasted tomato hummus and something very crunchy. I have my eye on pita chips, but I'm hoping come time, I'll opt for better bell pepper.

And then for dinner I'll have Jambalaya. Sweet Baby. Goodness.

A lovely mixed herb salad. .and. . . .

FOR THE LOVE OF PETE, KING CAKE.

WITH CREAM CHEESE ADDED.

Lord help me.

I'm not kidding.

Pray for me.

Easy King Cake made with

Refrigerated Biscuits

Previously posted on NickiWoo.com

Ingredients:

1 can reduced fat biscuits (16 oz.)
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 can fruit pie filling, optional
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese mixed with 1 cup powdered sugar, optional
Cream Cheese Prepared Icing
3/4 cup coarse sugar, divided into 3 parts and colored yellow, green and purple with liquid food coloring
King Cake Baby or a bean

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325. Line a baking sheet with parchment, aluminum foil or silicone baking sheet. Set aside.
2. Open biscuit can, and gently knead all the biscuits together to form one uniform piece of dough. About 12 inches in length.
3. In a small bowl, mix together butter and cinnamon. Spread evenly over dough.
4. Drop spoonfuls of pie filling and cream cheese mixture all over the dough, if using.
5. Starting on the long side of the dough, roll into a cylindrical shape. Form into a circle and pinch tightly to seal. Place on baking sheet.
6. Bake at 325 for 35 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Let cool slightly, and then spoon prepared icing over the cake so that it melts and becomes a thick glaze. Sprinkle with colored sugar.
8. When the cake has cooled, insert the baby or bean on the underside of the cake discreetly. Whomever gets the baby Jesus has good luck for the rest of the year, and has to bring the King Cake next year!

Help for the Coupon Haters: Coupons at Checkout finds Coupon Codes For You.

2013-02-10T10:32:00.000-06:00

I found something I really like.

That makes me like things that I should like, but don't because its too time consuming.
What am I talking about?
Coupons people.
Online.
Stay with me here.

You know the deal. You go to website, add all your items into the cart, and then go haphazardly roaming around the Internet to see if their are any coupon codes that match your cart items. I'm a deal hunter so, I do it. But I hate it. Too much trial and error.

But now. . .I found a free browser extension, Coupons at Checkout (from the deal site CouponFollow) that makes finding on-line coupons easy. Dare I say, mindless.

This is what you do.
Go to CouponsAtCheckout.com
And you'll see this screen.

Then download the plugin.
The next time your shopping at anyone of their 100,000 online retailers, just click in the promo code box and. . . .

VOILA. . . .

Now.
Like normal deal hunting, all the deals might not be relevant to your order. So you have to try them out. Hover click and press apply.

If it's a "no go" it'll show something like this.. . .

Otherwise, your cart will update, showing your new total and you can finish checking out.
I also checked the browser extension using Pottery Barn and Target.
When there were no deals available, it showed this drop down.

If you click show them anyway. . . .

Coupons at Checkout supports Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer.
And the best part.
You don't even see it until you're at your online checkout page.
No need to worry about craziness that you don't want to see all up on your browser.

Other things to note.

According to their privacy policy , they will analyze and collect your browser behavior data that pertain to e-commerce, but no identifiable information is collected.

Do you have any fun or useful online or techie browser tips or apps? I'd love to hear about them. Give me a shout out and let me know what your using to make your life easier.

Seaweed Wraps with Rice Noodles, Peanut Sauce and Pickled Beets

2013-02-07T11:35:00.000-06:00

I've got a Monkey on my back.
Or a kid on my desk.
Or a headache.

And I keep forgetting to do things.
And I think my butt is getting. FAT. TER.
Not flat.
I could deal with that.
But fat. Uuuuh.
BUT. BUTT.
Things are appearing around here.
Like lovely, marvelous books that smell of cardboard and scotch tape. Filled with gorg. Recipes that make me, want to 'want' a less fat butt.

And then. . .this showed up on my doorstep yesters.

Yelling at me.
YOU CAN DO IT.
AND IT'LL BE SO EASY.
LOOK HOW GOOD THIS LOOKS!

I think life is totes like that.
It throws you the thing you need, right when you need it.
Like kids at 5:45 am that wander into your study and climb onto your desk. AND LAY DOWN. And drink your Green Tea. And whisper " I love you. I went potty in my bed."
Yes. I needed that at 5:45 am.
'I love you's' make me strong.

I don't feel so strong right now.
But my mind is struggling to pull me forward.
Eat! Remember to take care of yourself! Grow gardens! Play with your kids!
Don't yell so much.
Be more understanding.
Remember what it was like to be 12.
Love more. Love harder. Love better.

So I'm trying.
Today.
I made this. For me.
And I .. . . . . . . .loved it.

And then my kids came home and loved it too.
They've eaten it for snack 3 times in 4 days.
And the 6 year old Junk food junkie asked, "Can I take it to school for lunch?"
I almost had a heart attack.

I needed her to ask THAT VERY QUESTION, in just that moment.
That very thing.
Because I ALWAYS want to do for my kids, what at the present seems nearly impossible to do for myself.

But I am their guide.
I am there model.
If I can not do it for myself on this day, I will do it for them.
I will do it for them.
And soon, I will remember to do it for myself.

Seaweed Wraps (Nori) with Rice Noodles, Peanut Sauce and Pickled Beets
Inspired by Clean Food

Ingredients:

Nori ( Thin dried seaweed sheets)
Rice Noodles
Pickled Beets, sliced into thin strips

PEANUT SAUCE
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 TB rice milk (can use any type of milk)
1 tsp red chili paste
2 TB maple syrup (no maple syrup? use honey!)
2 TB lemon juice
1 tsp soy sauce
2 TB sesame oil

1. Prepare noodles according to package directions. Set aside.

2. Make sauce: In a small bowl combine peanut butter, milk, chili paste, maple syrup, lemon juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Whisk together with a fork until smooth.

3. To Make Wraps: Place seaweed sheet flat on the counter. Place a serving of noodles on top. Drizzle with peanut sauce. Add a few slices of pickled beets. Fold like a burrito. . . .[Fold the closet end of the sheet over the noodles. Then fold the two outer sides inward. Roll to form a log. If desired, dampen the ends of the Nori with beet juice (or water) to help seal close].

Cut in half. Serve with additional peanut sauce for dipping.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Oh.
One more thing.
Geez Louise.
I keep forgetting.
This pot.
This pretty, pretty pot came my way about a month ago, but only I was too blind to see it.

I stuck it into a corner of my fastidiously clean study, and then I forgot.

And the other day, when the heavens opened and I started noticing all these wonderful healthy cookbooks, and my kids started rebuking junk food, it lept out of the corner and jumped into my hands.

Its a Twiztt Cook, Strain and Serve Set.

I cooked the rice noodles in it.

Strained them with the clever straining lid, and then stuck it into the red bowl to keep the noodles warm.

Very lovely.

Really.

If your looking for a new pot, you might want to consider this one.

Disclaimer: This is not a paid post. I just really like cookware.

Blueberry Supreme Made With Love!

2013-02-05T11:30:00.000-06:00

[ Winner announced below ]

I walked up to the weathered brown door, and looked around. The porch was dusty, cobwebs hung from the corners, and dirt dobbers had built their mud packed homes on the awning that covered the porch.

It was a beautiful old home. Old. Brick. Maybe built in the early 1900s. It lay right in the middle of prime real estate district. Yet, it looked so lonely, and unkempt.

I placed my knuckles onto the wood and knocked.
Nothing.
Again, I knocked, but harder this time.
And as I rapped on the door, thumbnail size bugs began crawling out the crevices where the door met the brick facade.
One brown bug. Two. Three.
And then more than I was willing to count.
I beat on the door this time.
"Hello! Hello! Meals on Wheels! Meals on Wheels! I have your dinner!!!"

The door swung open, and a stench hovered over me and the woman who opened it.
The woman was dressed in a white night gown, that was soiled and stained, and she looked disoriented. Confused.

As I held her meal, I peered into her seemingly once grand home, and noticed the breathe of filth that layed within. Old food cartons, soiled sheets, and a damp, deep darkness.

I asked her if she was okay, and she seemed to snap out of a trance she was in. We spoke for a little while, I gave her the meal, thanking God that she would have something good to eat, that wasn't ridden with bugs.

Slowly I walked back to my van, got in and cried.
I cried for that woman, who was living in that home.
I cried for the possibility that anyone I loved could be forced to live that way.
I cried for my ignorance of the world around me.
And I cried for love. For hers. And mine. For all of ours.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I was in college back then. 1997 or so. I wanted to join the Peace Corps and eat granola. That I didn't do. But I did join the Meals on Wheels Team in my area, and I delivered Meals in a HUGE A** van to 100's of seniors in my neighborhood for many years.

Most of their stories weren't sad like the one above (and we did call VNA and get that woman help), but they all had stories that touched my heart. Some funny, some sad, and some more marvelous than any Hollywood story could tell.

So today, I wanted to share with you a New Celebrity Cookbook that benefits an organization that provides more than one million meals a day for seniors across America, The Meals on Wheels Association of America.

The title.. . . .
Made With Love: The Meals on Wheels Family Cookbook.

Made with Love is a compilation of recipes from the tables of well known actors, chefs, athletes, writers and more. Contributors include Helen Mirren, Martha Stewart, Kurt Warner, Barbara Bush, and Al Roker, many, many more.

What I like about this Cookbook:

Hard Bound
Lots of Color Photos
Easy Relatable Recipes, Family Favorites
Diverse Regional and Cultural Favorites
Most recipes have easy to find ingredients. Written simply with fun excerpts from the contributor that explains (in their words, why this recipe is important to them)
Proceeds support Meals On Wheels

So.

With all that said.

You know the drill.

I love you.

You love me.

We both love the book.

And I want to give one away to you.

TO Enter the Giveaway. . . .

Just answer the following question in the Comments section of this post:

"What famous person makes you think. . . .I wonder what they are eating today? ”

(I'd like to know what Gweneth Paltrow is eating. She's so skinny. Yet she loves food so much. I saw her on a PBS special gallivanting around Spain or Italy maybe, with Mario Batali. They ate all the time. What gives?)

THE RULES

One entry per person, please. Or your favorite celebrity will eat you up.

The Made with Love Giveaway will end February 11th, 2012 at midnight CST. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, February 11th, 2012. Entrants limited to US and Canada. They will be chosen randomly using http://www.random.org/

Good Luck!

- - - - - - - - - - - -

And the winner is. . . . .

Valerie Stayton

Julia Roberts...I have ALWAYS loved her as an actress. I wonder what her diet consists of :)

Please contact nickiwoo.thehomeguru@gmail.com to claim your prize in the next 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

- - - - - - - - -- - -

And of kizzy course, I have a recipe for you, from the very pages of Made with Love. This recipe was submitted by The Governer of Alabama, Robert Bentley. This. . .is his favorite dessert.

My 8 year old made it for Super Bowl Sunday.

So good. So easy.

We made it with strawberries instead of blueberries, but I think any berries would have been marvelous.

What I love about this recipe.
1.)You can whip it up in less than five minutes, its perfect for a dinner party. Pull it straight out of the oven, and serve warm.
2.) Want it Gluten Free? Use a Gluten free cake mix!
3.) Want it Vegan? Use vegan butter:)
4.) It makes the house smell glorious with no effort.

Blueberry Supreme

serves 10 to 12

1 quart fresh blueberries, rinsed and patted dry
1 (20-oz) can crushed pineapple
1 (18.25-oz) pkg yellow cake mix
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 c) butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 F.

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients, and stir until well-mixed.

Pour batter into a 9 by 13 inch baking dish and bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the top of cake is golden brown. Remove from oven, cool and serve.

A little bit about Meals on Wheels Association of America: They are the only national organization and network dedicated solely to ending senior hunger in America. It is the oldest and largest organization composed of and representing local, community-based Senior Nutrition Programs in all 50 states, as well as the US territories. All told, there are some 5,00 local Senior Nutrition Programs in the US. These programs provide well over one million meals to seniors who need them each day. Visit Meals on Wheels Association of America online at MOWAA.org @_MealsOnWheels, and Facebook.com/MOWAA.

Potato Fagioli (My made up name for Pasta Fagioli with no Pasta) And Broken, Broken, Teeth.

2013-02-01T09:35:00.000-06:00

That girl was on fire.
And then. . . . .
it happened.

Sitting on the hard aluminum bleacher seat, I could see the ball as it propelled through the air, just missing her head, landing onto her chest, and then BAM! ricocheting onto her jaw. Her jaw jiving upwards, knocking the lower tooth into the upper. . .
and then. . . .

She clasped her hand over her mouth.
Uuuuuhhhh.
She turned toward me, eyes wide, as she she sprinted off of the soccer field.

She hopped into the players box, and then exiting out in a panic. Her mouth was still cupped by her hands as if she was going to throw up any minute.

I could see blood trickling out from under her lip.

"What happened? Are you okay? Does it hurt?" I was trying not to make a scene. Everyone was staring. Oh God. Please don't cry too hard. Please be okay.

She removed her hand from her mouth, and slowly reached in and retrieved a part of her tooth.
She was full fledged crying now, as she looked at the broken pieces of her pearly whites in her hand.
Her face fell. And she was scared. I could tell.

"It'll be okay. Don't worry. We'll fix it. I'll take you to the dentist tomorrow. Promise."

And then she cried a little harder. More of a whimper with little moans.
We jogged to the bathroom, and she peered into the mirror and removed more shards of her broken tooth.

"Oh no mommy! This is going to cost so much money to fix."
"Don't worry Bells. We have insurance. And anyway, I'd pay a million dollars to see you smile. Don't worry."

She wiped her tears and I asked her if she wanted to go home or watch the rest of the game in the stands.
She looked up at me . . . eyes bulging " I think I want to go back in and play."

And I let her.
Because that is the one thing I want my children to learn.
Always face your fears.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

IF. . . . .your not in crazy dyer danger.
AND IF. . . .its under supervision. ADULT SUPERVISION. Because baby supervision would be stupid.
AND IF. . .your not bleeding too badly. A little blood, okay. A lot of blood. Bad.

Yup.
That's my kiddo.
I should have known. The weekend was going too well. Shelbi, Bella, and Soledad all had basketball games where they played like champs. I had just said, "it looks like Bella is playing soccer like she is on the basketball court."

Aggressive.
Fast.
All in your face.

Yup.
All in her face.
With her broken tooth, to prove it.
And now. . .
It's been soups and soft foods for her all week
Which she has been completely tickled pink about.

We had Orecchiette with 3 Cheese from the Puglian Cookbook.
Then Indian Curried Lentil Soup.
Then we had Potato Fagioli. Which is my made up name for Pasta Fagioli with potatoes substituted for pasta.

She brought the soup to school two days in a row.
And ate it for dinner until it was all gone.
Her best friend bragged to his mom about how good it looked.

Now.
This soup was totes worth breaking a tooth for.

Potato Fagioli ( Thick Vegetable Soup with Potatoes, Tomatoes, and Ground Turkey )
Oh man. This soup is so good. You know what it tastes like? It tastes like Olive Garden's Pasta Fagioli, only in my opinion, better:) We paired it with French bread, cut in half, buttered and sprinkled with garlic powder and a tad bit of salt. Put it in the oven on 350 for 15 minutes and YUM! And Oh! Bella is a huge salad eater, so we had a spinach salad on the side with a rasberry vinagrette. I think I'm making it again next week.

Ingredients:

2 TB Olive Oil
1 Large Onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 cloves garlic
1 pound ground turkey
28 oz. crushed tomatoes
1 - 15 oz. can red kidney beans
3 red skinned potatoes, chopped into bite size pieces
1/2 bag (8 oz.) of frozen zucchini, chopped
1 TB Vinegar
1 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp thyme
32 oz. water

Directions:

1. In a large heavy bottomed pot, heat oil on medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and carrots, and cook until soft. About 8 minutes. Add garlic. Cook for 2 minutes longer.

2. Add ground turkey, and cook until browned.

3. Add tomatoes, beans, zucchini, vinegar, salt, oregano, basil, black pepper, bay leaves, thyme, potatoes, and water. Bring to a boil. Lower heat, and simmer for 1 hour. Adjust seasonings. Serve. Serves about 8.

What are your plans for the weekend?

Green Goddess Juice (Grapefruit, Apple, Celery) made in a Blender

2013-01-25T12:19:00.000-06:00

{Enter my CLEAN FOOD COOKBOOK GIVEAWAY}

Oh my Lord.

It's all I could think as my head pounded from the sound of the blaring TV.

I kept my eyes shut, willing my brain to turn off and fall back to sleep.

And then the alarm blasted ON.

RRRRIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNGGGGGGGGG

DIIIIINNNNNNGGGGGG.

BBBBLLLLLAAAAAAHHHHHH.

Uuh.

My eyes opened and the lights in the bedroom were blazing.

Where is my husband?

Why is Usher singing in my alarm clock?

WHY ARE THE LIGHTS ON AND SCREAMING AT MY RETINAS?

I sat up.. . ..flailed my arms around until they hit that hideous alarm clock and shut it the mess up.

I got out of bed.

Threw my hair in a pony tail.

Brushed my teeth and walked into the living room where Warwick was passed out on the love seat with the bills, check book, and iPhone resting on his chest.

It was 4:47 am.

I put on my tennis shoes.

High tailed it to the gym.

Worked out for a measly 27 minutes before I realized that I promised to take Shelbi running this morning to prepare for Athletic tryouts at school.

I drove home.

Woke my kid up.

Got on her bike, and coached her in running the mile.

It's been a good day so far.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I'm not kidding people.

I'm really trying to be better.

MIND, BODY, AND SOUL.

I would like to meditate-10 minutes daily, but I haven't figured out how to get that into my schedule.

It shouldn't be that difficult, but somehow its got me struggling.

And while I'm trying to fight my own battles, I've been noticing the food the kids grab during their downtime with iPhones, iPods, and video games is not as nutritious as I would like it to be. I'm not against them playing video games to relax. In fact, I understand how hard they work at school and on their basketball and soccer teams. In my opinion, playing video games shouldn't equate to mindless eating. I want them to remember that the food that we put in our mouths needs to nourish and sustain us. Not just fill us up.

But if I tell them that, they'll roll their eyes.

So instead, while they are relaxing and enjoying game time, my goal is to always have the ingredients around the house for tasty nutritious snacks. Like. . . . refreshing crisp and filling juices made with fresh fruit and vegetables.

So they can play.

They can mindlessly slurp.

And I can sleep at night knowing. . ..

we are all striving for a healthy lifestyle.

I guess the whole plan is going pretty well, so far.

The eating part of the plan has gone wonderfully crazy with the kids wanting to make all sorts of juice combinations with fruit and veg.(After trying the Green Goddess, they went for Apple, Kale, Banana. . . .so good).

Now. . .

I'm looking for ways to integrate the healthy lifestyle into all aspects of our lives. Starting with the way we view the world and our places in it.

Here are this weeks highlights. . . .

I made Shelbi a crown for school. She was Athena in a class project. Gotta love a woman who rules over wisdom, the arts AND military victories.

We took our kids to the MLK Day Parade.

I took the time to give Bella a new hair style.

I noticed the sun rising.

I let Phoebe hug my leg for two hours straight.

And I ate.

And I drank what I ate.

And it was good.

Baby steps, people. Baby steps.

What did you do this week?

Give me a shout out in the comments, and let me know:)

Green Goddess Juice (Grapefruit, Apple, Celery Juice)
This drink is surprisingly sweet, and not so surprisingly healthy. Packed with Vitamin C and full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, you'll be doing your body good with every refreshing sip. For those who are not so keen on the tangy tartness of the Grapefruit, try substituting 2 medium oranges.

INGREDIENTS:

1 LARGE GRAPEFRUIT
6 STALKS OF CELERY
1 APPLE
1 CUP OF YOUR FAVORITE JUICE (EX. APPLE, GRAPE, ETC.)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Peel and core the apple. Cut the celery stalks into thirds. Peel the grapefruit.

2.. Place the fruit and vegetables into the blender. Add juice.

3. Blend on high for about 1 minute.

4. Strain.

4. Drink! Makes two servings.

Fingerling Potato Salad, A Note to Nana, and CLEAN FOOD by Terry Walters GIVEAWAY!!!!

2013-01-23T13:57:00.000-06:00

Dear Mommy ( I call my mom 'mommy', sue me.),

Sorry.

I meant to share this with you last month, but alas time has gotten away from me. These are photos of Phoebe's first Musical Program, and I thought you'd get a kick out of all of her silly expressions. The first photos are of her getting ready for the big event.

I'll narrate as I post the pics.

She poses now. For every. single. picture. Just like her big sister Soledad. Whom she screams at. ALL THE TIME. Yet, she acts just like her. I know. I know. OH NO.

Here she is, in her classroom before the program. She loves her teacher. One time she gave her a 'tight, tight, hug' and Phoebe fell off the sidewalk because she said she loved her so much. Isn't that just crazy wonderful?

Her sisters enthusiastically waiting her arrival.

Her entrance, as she zoomed by. She was quite excited. She SCREAMED when she saw me. She wasn't supposed to. She acted as if she was surprised I came. Which was shocking since I dropped her off and had just seen her 5 minutes prior. She's odd. Just like her sisters.

On stage. Dead center. Right after she screamed and hollered for Soledad to notice her. Again. A no-no. She seemed surprised that Soledad came. Even though she was in the car with us, when we dropped her off. Tell me I was more aware as a child.

Angels. Sweet Angels. That may or may not have been digging up their noses while holding another persons hand and singing in the class program. Note to self. Tell Phoebe to stop holding 'someone's' hand if they are digging their nose with it.

And after . . . . with her sisters and Grammi. One sister was in a bad mood. And refused to be included in all of the pictures. I told that other sister, not to come crying to me when she's 35 and asking why I don't have any pictures of her. I'll refer her back to this letter.

And some bonus footage of the next day, at her classroom party. She's turning out to be quite the bossy pants.

Mommy, I miss you terribly. And I hope to see you soon. But for now I hope these pictures fill you up with warmth and love.

A big hug and a fat wet kiss from all 6 of us.

All my love,

Nicole

- - - - - - - - - - - -

All I want is for my family to live well and be well.

My mom.

My daughters.

Myself and my husband.

It's my one true, crazy mad wish.

When I was 25, and round with a big fat pregnant belly, I prayed a deep an earnest prayer. I asked that God allow me to be a Wayward, a healer of boo boos, a connector of families, a leader in all the things that mattered in my life. I prayed to be a good mom. Like my mother was to me. Still is to me.

I think that God answered my prayer through food.

I suddenly realized the great connection between what we put in our mouths and mind, spirit, and love.

It relates to everything we do.

The connections we make through dinner conversations.

The love only our hands can add to a dish we prepare ourselves.

It's so simple.

Bright. Vibrant. Healthful. And Delicious.

Will make you feel the same.

Will make you be the same.

Simple.

Though. . . .

Sometimes I need a reminder. A nudge. A guide.

To help introduce new foods and make clean food a part of my everyday life.

Yesterday, I think I got a nudge.

That nudges name is CLEAN FOOD: A seasonal guide to eating close to the source. by Terry Walters.

Beautifully written with over 250 recipes, this hard-bound cookbook and resource book is laden with eye popping photos of wonderful recipes like Roasted Portobello Sandwich with Sun Dried Tomato Aioli, sweet potato and parsnip pancakes, fresh berries with tofu cream, sweet potato and black bean burritos with cashew cheese, chocolate pecan pie, and an entire section dedicated to quick healthful snacks that you can eat on the run.

The book is divided into sections, according to season. So, it makes it easy to find the best recipes to suit your palette now.

Walters gives a non-preaching reminder that eating clean and living well can be simple. She writes, "there are no nutritional supplements that will replace the love and good intention infused in a home-cooked meal. The cleaner we eat, the clearer we think, and the better we can embrace good health and nutrition".

I can get with that.

And I'm sure you can too.

Here's to the simple life.

The Clean Food Life.

May we all eat clean. And live well.

AND. . .

While we're at it.

I think we should Eat well and Live clean.

Because who wants hungry dirty people roaming around. I'm just sayin'.

And on that note, just to insure that we are all on the same page.

Clean Food.

Clean People.

Living Well.

Eating Lots.

I think we need to give away a Cookbook, just to make sure we are all fighting the good fight.

TO ENTER for a chance to WIN:

Just answer the following question in the Comments section of this post:

"What is your favorite Clean Food/Recipe? ”

THE RULES

One entry per person, please. Let's keep it clean, people(get it? get it?).

The CLEAN FOOD GIVEAWAY will end January 30th, 2013 at midnight CST. Winners will be announced on Thursday, January 31st, 2013. Entrants limited to US and Canada. They will be chosen randomly using http://www.random.org/

Good Luck!

AND THE WINNER IS. . . .

Gianna : Minestrone

Please contact me at nickiwoo.thehomeguru@gmail.com in the next 48 hours. If no contact is made another winner will be chosen.

- - - - - - - --

And for you. . .

Because I love you. . .

A little taste of love.

From the pages of Clean Food.

Fingerling Potato Salad
with Fresh Herbs

Reprinted from Clean Food: A Seasonal Guide to Eating Close to The Source © 2012 by Terry Walters. Permission from Sterling Epicure, an imprint of Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. Photography by Gentl & Hyers

THIS RECIPE SATISFIES THOSE IN MY FAMILY who crave traditional potato salad, and the fresh herbs make me feel like I’ve added my own special touch and a little extra love. The first time I made it was with the most beautiful purple carrots from the farmers market. When I sliced them into rounds, I discovered that their insides were orange. What a gorgeous potato salad that was!

SERVES 4

1 pound French fingerling potatoes (or small potato variety of choice)
3 carrots (vary color if possible), peeled and cut into 1⁄4-inch slices
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1⁄4 cup minced red onion
3 tablespoons chopped chives
2 tablespoon minced sage
2 tablespoon thyme leaves (or lemon thyme leaves)
3 tablespoons grapeseed oil mayonnaise
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Extra virgin olive oil

Fill Dutch oven or medium pot half way with water. Wash potatoes, cut into bite-size pieces and place immediately in pot of water (to prevent browning). Place pot on stove over high heat, cover partially
and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes. Add carrots and simmer 5 minutes longer or until potatoes are tender (time will vary according to size of potatoes). Drain potatoes and carrots in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop vegetables from cooking further. Set aside to cool slightly.

In large bowl, combine garlic, onion, chives, sage and thyme. Add cooled potato mixture and mayonnaise and fold to combine all ingredients. Season to taste with plenty of salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil as desired. Toss one more time and serve at room temperature or chilled slightly.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

ONE MORE THING!!!!

The author, Terry Walters will be doing the online event at 7pm EST this Thursday. Here's the link if you'd like to watch!: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/cleanfood.

Low-Fat Buttermilk Caesar Salad Dressing

2013-01-21T07:20:00.001-06:00

What I think I have learned today.. . .

I could cut the lawn with scissors, but that would be stupid.

Likewise, I could dry lettuce with a million paper towels and then stick it into a bowl with more paper towels. Then, I could stick it in a collander and hope it doesn't wilt
But really, aren't I just basically cutting the lawn with scissors.

Why not buy a salad spinner?
They cost like $20. $15 at TJ Maxx.
No. Seriously.
I'm asking, "why?".

Why have I lived the last 13 years of my domestic life, thinking it's okay to drag my knuckles against the grind when preparing salads?

When the lawn mower broke the first time, did Warwick condemn himself to a life of misery and of cutting the lawn with toe nail clippers?

When the lawn mower broke for the second time, did Warwick throw the baby out with the bath water and borrow my eyebrow tweezers to manicure the lawn?

When the lawn mower broke for the THIRD TIME. . . . . .you get my point. He keeps buying $400 lawn mowers. Because the lawn must be mowed.

AND IN THAT VAIN. . .I CRY. . . . .

FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS GOOD AND RIGHT AND WRONG.
Lord help me.
Why don't I buy a salad spinner, dryer, rotater. . .thing that removes the water from your lettuce leaves after you've washed them?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I think the reason is because I love misery.
Not all of me.
But a sad, stupid, part of me loves misery.

She complains a lot.
And she's all, woe is me.
No clothes for you.
No make up for you.
No anything to make your life easier.
BECAUSE YOU ARE ON A BUDGET.
AND YOU WILL BE ON A BUDGET FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.
AND THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO ARE ALLOWED TO GET ANYTHING AT ALL ARE THOSE CRAZY KIDS OF YOURS AND YOUR HUSBAND IF HE NEEDS ANYTHING THAT IS LAWN EQUIPMENT. BUT ONLY IF IT COSTS $10,000 DOLLARS.

I really hate that B.
I need to get that chic in check.
And tell her and her HO of a best friend (who is always telling me my butt is fat) to BACK OFF.

Because I've got a salad spinner now.
Well. . . . .I'm thinking about getting one real soon.
Biz-ouch.
And a low-fat salad dressing that ATLEAST WON'T MAKE MY BUTT FATTER.
So there.

Low Fat Buttermilk Caesar Salad Dressing
This is really good. Tangy, smooth, and lighter than a traditional Caesar Salad Dressing. It isn't as creamy as the traditional, but trust me, you won't miss the richness. My 8 year old daughter loves it. She ate this salad for 4 days straight with her dinner. On the fifth day she was so sad when I told her it was all gone! Now. That is a good Salad dressing.

INGREDIENTS:

3/4 CUP BUTTERMILK
5-6 ANCHOVIES, minced
1 TB LEMON JUICE
2 CLOVES GARLIC, MINCED
2 TB PARMESAN CHEESE, GRATED
3 TB MAYONNAISE
1 TSP WORCHESTERSHIRE
1 TSP DIJON MUSTARD
SALT AND PEPPER, TO TASTE

Directions:

1 In a medium sized bowl, add all the ingredients. Mix well. Pour into a glass container and use immediately or store in your refrigerator. Tastes even better the next day!