Rants, Raves and Recipes

Things I should do to be happy

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer-Realtor) — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:53:00 +0000

I am trying to find my center and utter happiness, I need to learn to do these 15 things. Do you know true happiness?

1. GIVE UP YOUR NEED TO ALWAYS BE RIGHT

There are so many of us who can’t stand the idea of being wrong – wanting to always be right – even at the risk of ending great relationships or causing a great deal of stress and pain, for us and for others. It’s just not worth it. Whenever you feel the ‘urgent’ need to jump into a fight over who is right and who is wrong, ask yourself this question: “Would I rather be right, or would I rather be kind?”Wayne Dyer. What difference will that make? Is your ego really that big?

2. GIVE UP YOUR NEED FOR CONTROL

Be willing to give up your need to always control everything that happens to you and around you – situations, events, people, etc. Whether they are loved ones, coworkers, or just strangers you meet on the street – just allow them to be. Allow everything and everyone to be just as they are and you will see how much better will that make you feel.

“By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try. The world is beyond winning.” Lao Tzu

3. GIVE UP ON BLAME

Give up on your need to blame others for what you have or don’t have, for what you feel or don’t feel. Stop giving your powers away and start taking responsibility for your life.

4. GIVE UP YOUR SELF-DEFEATING SELF-TALK

Oh my. How many people are hurting themselves because of their negative, polluted and repetitive self-defeating mindset? Don’t believe everything that your mind is telling you – especially if it’s negative and self-defeating. You are better than that.

“The mind is a superb instrument if used rightly. Used wrongly, however, it becomes very destructive.” Eckhart Tolle

5. GIVE UP YOUR LIMITING BELIEFS

about what you can or cannot do, about what is possible or impossible. From now on, you are no longer going to allow your limiting beliefs to keep you stuck in the wrong place. Spread your wings and fly!

“A belief is not an idea held by the mind, it is an idea that holds the mind” Elly Roselle

6. GIVE UP COMPLAINING

Give up your constant need to complain about those many, many, maaany things – people, situations, events that make you unhappy, sad and depressed. Nobody can make you unhappy, no situation can make you sad or miserable unless you allow it to. It’s not the situation that triggers those feelings in you, but how you choose to look at it. Never underestimate the power of positive thinking.

7. GIVE UP THE LUXURY OF CRITICISM

Give up your need to criticize things, events or people that are different than you. We are all different, yet we are all the same. We all want to be happy, we all want to love and be loved and we all want to be understood. We all want something, and something is wished by us all.

8. GIVE UP YOUR NEED TO IMPRESS OTHERS

Stop trying so hard to be something that you’re not just to make others like you. It doesn’t work this way. The moment you stop trying so hard to be something that you’re not, the moment you take off all your masks, the moment you accept and embrace the real you, you will find people will be drawn to you, effortlessly.

9. GIVE UP YOUR RESISTANCE TO CHANGE

Change is good. Change will help you move from A to B. Change will help you make improvements in your life and also the lives of those around you. Follow your bliss, embrace change – don’t resist it.
“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls” Joseph Campbell

10. GIVE UP LABELS

Stop labeling those things, people or events that you don’t understand as being weird or different and try opening your mind, little by little. Minds only work when open. “The highest form of ignorance is when you reject something you don’t know anything about.” Wayne Dyer

11. GIVE UP ON YOUR FEARS

Fear is just an illusion, it doesn’t exist – you created it. It’s all in your mind. Correct the inside and the outside will fall into place.
“The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself.” Franklin D. Roosevelt

12. GIVE UP YOUR EXCUSES

Send them packing and tell them they’re fired. You no longer need them. A lot of times we limit ourselves because of the many excuses we use. Instead of growing and working on improving ourselves and our lives, we get stuck, lying to ourselves, using all kind of excuses – excuses that 99.9% of the time are not even real.

13. GIVE UP THE PAST

I know, I know. It’s hard. Especially when the past looks so much better than the present and the future looks so frightening, but you have to take into consideration the fact that the present moment is all you have and all you will ever have. The past you are now longing for – the past that you are now dreaming about – was ignored by you when it was present. Stop deluding yourself. Be present in everything you do and enjoy life. After all life is a journey not a destination. Have a clear vision for the future, prepare yourself, but always be present in the now.

14. GIVE UP ATTACHMENT

This is a concept that, for most of us is so hard to grasp and I have to tell you that it was for me too, (it still is) but it’s not something impossible. You get better and better at with time and practice. The moment you detach yourself from all things, (and that doesn’t mean you give up your love for them – because love and attachment have nothing to do with one another, attachment comes from a place of fear, while love… well, real love is pure, kind, and self less, where there is love there can’t be fear, and because of that, attachment and love cannot coexist) you become so peaceful, so tolerant, so kind, and so serene. You will get to a place where you will be able to understand all things without even trying. A state beyond words.

15. GIVE UP LIVING YOUR LIFE TO OTHER PEOPLE’S EXPECTATIONS

Way too many people are living a life that is not theirs to live. They live their lives according to what others think is best for them, they live their lives according to what their parents think is best for them, to what their friends, their enemies and their teachers, their government and the media think is best for them. They ignore their inner voice, that inner calling. They are so busy with pleasing everybody, with living up to other people’s expectations, that they lose control over their lives. They forget what makes them happy, what they want, what they need….and eventually they forget about themselves. You have one life – this one right now – you must live it, own it, and especially don’t let other people’s opinions distract you from your path.

source

Um, Yeah that...

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer-Realtor) — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:46:00 +0000

"Mom she gives us too much work and I can't finish it", "Um Yeah that is in my desk at school, I just need to turn it in". These are just some of the excuses I got yesterday while trying to find out why my son if failing Reading (of all things) and Social Studies (Why) and this is how Minion 1 got all of his privileges taken away, apparently he is to distracted by the things around him to do his work. I know I have not been at fault with this, busy in my own right, especially right now with finals, but we do have rules in place, and he should abide by them and the hubs and I as parents need to enforce them.

What do you do with a child that does only enough to get by? His work is sloppy, unreadable most of the time, doesn't finish or does it so quick you wonder if he even read it. How do you get him motivated to make good grades. I tell him next school year, which he starts Middle School, is going to be much harder on him and the work more intense. He just shrugs it off and goes about his merry way. Do my readers have any words of wisdom for me, ideas to make him see that what he is doing is just setting him up for failure?

Everyone I know laughs at this saying but this weekend the hubs, me and Minion 1 are "having a Come to Jesus meeting" about his attitude toward things, school work, grades, what is to come and lay down yet again what is expected of him. I think some tough love is in order, I hate to do it but something needs to change. Wish me luck!!! Please!

Do you Compost...

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer-Realtor) — Mon, 07 May 2012 16:22:00 +0000

Apparently it is Compost Awareness Week, I have tried composting in the past, I just got out of the habit but I am getting back to is as I am about to start a garden and I want it to be as natural as possible. I found this handy How-To article about Composting and though I would pass it on to you!

It’s International Compost Awareness Week and a perfect opportunity to “Give Back to the Earth” in the form of rich, healthy compost that will nourish it and your garden. Here are some do's and don'ts to consider for backyard composting success.

Why Compost?

Finished compost is a free soil amendment and fertilizer for the garden. It is mild and won't burn plants like chemical fertilizers. By adding compost you'll improve the overall texture of your soil enabling it to retain and drain water better.

Choose a Compost Bin

In the DIY Compost Bins post I collected some nice examples of homemade compost bins on the Internet. The post on Compost Bins for Small Spacesshowcased three commercially available compost bins for those who weren't born with the DIY gene and don't mind spending money.

Compost Bins as Pets.

Think of your compost bin as a pet. This will do two things: it will help you see it as a living thing that shouldn’t be neglected, and teach you to ‘feed’ it a balanced diet.

There are two main types of organic materials you can feed your compost bin: greens and browns. Greens are high in nitrogen and described as 'wet.' Browns are described as 'dry' materials and are high in carbon.

When feeding your compost bin try to maintain a balance of 50% greens and 50% browns by weight. Since greens are typically heavier, you should add 2 to 3 buckets of browns for every bucket of greens you add.

Green Materials to Compost.

Vegetable and fruit scraps. Coffee grounds and filters. Tea bags and leaves. Fresh grass clippings. Plant trimmings from your garden. Houseplants.

Brown Materials to Compost.

Dry leaves. Straw and dry hay. Woodchips and sawdust from untreated wood. Dried grass clippings, shredded paper. Egg and nut shells. Hair and animal fur. Paper, shredded newspaper (printed with soy ink to be safe) paper towels, and paper tubes.

DO NOT COMPOST!

Meat. Fish. Eggs. Dairy products. Oily foods or grease. Bones. Cat and dog waste. Diseased plants and seeds of weedy plants. Anything treated with pesticides.

Composting Tips.

Chop your materials into small pieces, which will break down faster. Always cover your layer of green material with a layer of brown material to cut down on flies and mask any odors. If you want fine compost, like in the picture above by normanack, run over it with a mulching lawn mower. When composting whole plants remove seed heads and seed pods. If possible avoid adding roots of plants to your compost pile that could generate a whole new plant.

source

It's that time again...

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer-Realtor) — Thu, 03 May 2012 16:45:00 +0000

Swimsuit season, UGH!!!!! This season brings more fear to women than anything else. What makes it that way, the lighting in the dressing room, not having lost those last few pounds? Well mine is the weight thing. I dread putting on a swim suit and I usually miss out on fun times with my kids because of it. So women with fuller figures do you cover up or just go with the flow?

This swimsuit is gorgeous for women trying to hide a tummy. They are both 2 pieces and really show off your assets.

Here is another example of a great swimsuit for full figures women.

It hides the tummy and hips but emphasizes the bust with the halter top.

I also love that swimsuit now come in separates. I am full figured but my top is a size smaller than my bottom so I can customize my sizes. So women if you are still afraid of swimsuit season cover up with a bright color pareo or sarong and get out there and enjoy the summer!

When Do I wake up...

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer-Realtor) — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:07:00 +0000

Last weekend I ended up giving into the Hubs request for Blackout curtains in the bedroom. It looks like this

in my room all the time now, I hate it. I need one of these to walk around in my bedroom even during the day.

I open the curtains he closes them, I don't really like the dark, never have never will and now I don't know when to wake up or rather wake up naturally because it is so dark in my bedroom all the time. I say a compromise is in order but the hubs doesn't see it that way. I say he should open them when he get ups to help me out or I will just stay in bed until 10 or so, he says they should stay closed to cut down on the heat entering through the windows. Do any of my few reader that I have left have these on your bedroom windows, how do you wake up fully without an alarm of course?

Yes, I am old fashioned student.

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer-Realtor) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 20:15:00 +0000

When it comes to academic reading, which right now for me has been all I have been reading, I need a actual physical book in my hand. I tried the CourseSmart ebooks but there was too many things on the page distracting me- side bars, blinking advertisements, etc.- I couldn't concentrate on my reading. I broke down and rented my textbooks, which costs like a third to half of the price of buying the book and there is free shipping for returns as long as you get it back by the due date. I used Chegg.com, it was simple and easy, and I highly recommend it. If you can read your textbooks online CourseSmart.com is a good resource and cheaper as well, I just couldn't hack it.

Fan Fic Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer-Realtor) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:51:00 +0000

Welcome to Friday Fan Fic Lovers. Today's recommendations are Little Buttons by ChocolateLover82 and On Pattinson Drive by 2546256

Little Buttons by ChocolateLover82 is a little gem. It is sweet and fluffy with just enough angst to keep it interesting. Edward is a Clothing Designer living in Paris. Bella is living in Paris after running away from a bad situation. They meet coincidentally and start a budding romance. This is a Work in Progress and 19 chapters in.

On Pattinson Drive by 2546256 is this authors first foray into the Fan Fic world. It was cute and fresh and all the regulars are there and all eventually live in the same apartment building, which Mrs. Cope, a definite Cougar, owns. Edward just got out of a bad relationship and when Emmett get traded to the Seahawks, Edward sees his chance to move as well. Alice, who is Ed and Em's Sister, arranges the gang to meet at a local hang out and relationships start to commence with Edward and Bella's attraction is instant.

Like always if you take my Recommendations to heart, tell the authors where you found them and please leave reviews.

Happy Reading this weekend!

My Go to Gifts for V-Day or any other gift occasion

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer-Realtor) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:12:00 +0000

I am going to tell you a secret, its not really a secret per se as my close friends know this so I will share it with you anyway.

My Hubs is a horrible gift giver. Yep I said it and he admits it.

So what would I really like for Valentine's Day? Well as I am a Floral Designer no flowers will do, I will just criticize them. I love chocolate but I can buy that for myself. So here is my list and really it is my list for most gift giving situations.

Gift Certificate to get a mani/pedi

Kindle/Audible Gift Certificate or any other book related Gift card.

Simple Meaningful Jewelry such as a charm bracelet where he actually put some thought into it.

Itunes gift card, I love music, I live music

I romantic night out (hubs really isn't the romantic type)

A Spa Day, with facial, massage and primping, I love to be primped.

That is my list it is not unreachable I think. IF you are wondering why I put pictures of the things I want it is because my hubs is the visual kind.

I wonder if the Hubs will read this and take some hints.

Do you have a list? If so tell me what it is.

Recipe Tuesday

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer-Realtor) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:02:00 +0000

Look see I still do some things on time.

Since I have been in the throws from the visit of my monthly friend I have been craving nothing but Mac and Cheese. I think I have had it 3 times in the last five days and that ranges from the Boxed variety to my delish homemade. I also love to take loved recipes and make them new and fresh, so here are some of my favorites from my favorite chefs.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Recipe courtesy Alton Brown

Prep Time:: 20 min
Inactive Prep Time:: --
Cook Time:: 45 min

Level:: Easy

Serves:: 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients

1/2 pound elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon powdered mustard
3 cups milk
1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 large egg
12 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Fresh black pepper

Topping:

3 tablespoons butter
1 cup panko bread crumbs

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large pot of boiling, salted water cook the pasta to al dente.

While the pasta is cooking, in a separate pot, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and mustard and keep it moving for about five minutes. Make sure it's free of lumps. Stir in the milk, onion, bay leaf, and paprika. Simmer for ten minutes and remove the bay leaf.

Temper in the egg. Stir in 3/4 of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Fold the macaroni into the mix and pour into a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.

Melt the butter in a saute pan and toss the bread crumbs to coat. Top the macaroni with the bread crumbs. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and rest for five minutes before serving.

The Mustard and the paprika give it a great little kick.

Grown Up Mac and Cheese

Prep Time:: 10 min
Inactive Prep Time:: --
Cook Time:: 1 hr 0 min

Level:: Easy

Serves:: 2 servings

Ingredients

4 ounces thick-sliced bacon
Vegetable oil
Kosher salt
2 cups elbow macaroni or cavatappi
1 1/2 cups milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated
3 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated
2 ounces blue cheese, such as Roquefort, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pinch nutmeg
2 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil leaves

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Place a baking rack on a sheet pan and arrange the bacon in 1 layer on the baking rack. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the bacon is crisp. Remove the pan carefully from the oven - there will be hot grease in the pan! Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and crumble when it is cool enough to handle.

Drizzle oil into a large pot of boiling salted water. Add the macaroni and cook according to the directions on the package, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well.

Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don't boil it. Melt the butter in a medium pot and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. While whisking, add the hot milk and cook for a minute or 2 more, until thickened and smooth. Off the heat, add the Gruyere, Cheddar, blue cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the cooked macaroni and crumbled bacon and stir well. Pour into 2 individual size gratin dishes.

Place the bread slices in a food processor fitted with a steel blade and pulse until you have coarse crumbs. Add the basil and pulse to combine. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the top of the pasta. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on the top.

This version is heaven especially with the Gruyere and BACON! I love Ina's recipes.

Pesto Mac and Goat Cheese

Recipe courtesy Aida Mollenkamp

Prep Time:: 10 min
Inactive Prep Time:: --
Cook Time:: 15 min

Level:: Easy

Serves:: 6 servings

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for baking dish
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons finely chopped basil leaves
3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
1 3/4 cups Parmesan
1 pound mini pasta shells
2 cups half-and-half
16 ounces goat cheese
1/2 cup pesto sauce, store-bought or home-made
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Butter a 2 quart baking dish. Preheat the broiler and arrange a rack on top.

Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small pan over low heat. In a large bowl add the garlic, basil, panko, and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan. Add the melted butter and toss to combine. Reserve.

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, put the half-and-half in a small pot and bring to a simmer over low heat.Simmer until reduced and slightly thickened, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water and drain the pasta. Put the pot over low heat and add the half-and-half mixture. When it simmers, add the goat cheese and whisk until smooth. Add in the remaining Parmesan and whisk until melted.

Add the pasta and stir to coat. Stir in the pesto, reserved cooking water, salt, and pepper. Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper, if needed.

Pour the pasta mixture into the buttered baking dish and top with the panko mixture. Put under the broiler until the mixture bubbles and the top is browned, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the broiler and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

I love goat cheese, the sharpness of it is just so yummy.

So go and splurge a little today on some comfort food.

Happy Eating!!!

Monday Raves on a Tuesday

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer-Realtor) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:40:00 +0000

As always I am a day late and a dollar short...

You all know that I am a true southern gal, and because of that I hardly ever go out without being made up so my rave today is

I absolutely love going into this store and can stay there for hours if you let me. The saleswomen are always nice and helpful and let you try out almost anything. My favorite store is the one in Wolf Ranch in Georgetown, you just walk in there and it feels like it is a girls night out.

There is even an iphone app for Sephora and of course it is free which makes it so much better.

Besides having the full line of Smashbox and NARS line, I really love their economical Sephora line.

Perfecting Cover Foundation $22

This is my favorite foundation, it evens out my skin tone, covers extremely well and doesn't make my face break out.

Long Lasting Eyeliner $10

This is the best liquid eyeliner out there, it lasts and doesn't smudge and it is easy to use with the sponge tip.

What is your favorite Sephora product, I could go on and on and on but I won't.

Rock your day and make it beautiful

Fan Fic Recommendation Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer-Realtor) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Today I am recommending 2 fics by the same author, 1 is complete and the other the sequel. In the first one Edward is an asshole corporate mogul and thinks he doesn't need anyone in his life to be happy. Bella of course changes that, she is a morning show host and he can't stop watching her, they meet at society events and other places so it seems fate has taken over.

Resisting the Inevitable by Emotion Masen

Bella is the cohost on a morning show, Edward is the CEO of his family company,he finds his self extremely attracted to her. Unexpected events keep them near each other. How long can they resist the inevitable?

The next is the continuation of the story of Bella and Edward, I don't want to give too much away but it continues 3 years after the end of Resisting.

Facing The Inevitable by Emotion Masen

As you can seen from the banner for Facing, it gives much away so I am not even going to put the summary in here.

Please check these wonderful stories out and give the authors some love and tell them shannabanana1 sent you.

Happy Reading

Migraines and hormones

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer-Realtor) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:36:00 +0000

This post is brought to you by
and they were my friends today.

This is what my head felt like.

My right eye felt like it was being stabbed with a knife and the right side of my head was going combust. I cannot hardly even get out of bed when the migraine comes, I am nauseous, sensitive to light and sound and dizzy. I hate that they incapacitate me. They usually only occur on the right side and I really have no idea why and they also come in conjunction with my period, so that makes them hormonal or so my gyno tells me. I hae meds for them but today they didn't work well and just made me sleepy.

Women, do you have something that practically incapacitates you like this? If you suffer from migraines like me what do you do to help you make it through the day?

Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

Homework and grade frustration

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer-Realtor) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:52:00 +0000

Today our family is dealing with homework and grade frustration. In our school district as probably in most now days we get emails regarding grades and such, well today I got an alert from Gradespeed saying that the J-man is failing Social Studies. Social Studies, really? His explanation is that it is boring and he already knows this stuff. Really? He knows all about the Constitution and the Bills of Rights, which is what he is studying right now, so I quiz him about it, and you know what, he knows nothing, no wonder.

The Z-man loses his homework every week and needs to hunt for it everyday to work on it. Which ensues into Z getting frustrated and me in losing my patience which makes me a very ornery mother. Why can't they put it in the same place everyday? I mean I have tried to make a place for them to put it, I had a box, folder, even a drawer at one time.

Teachers I commend you in your job, it is a job that I would not be able to do. Bless You!

What do you do to help your child with homework and how do you keep your patience while doing it?

Fan Fic Recommendation Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer-Realtor) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:51:00 +0000

Stolen Secrets and Shattered Dreams by FoxxyJ (WIP)
Summary: A NYC barman views his mind reading as an isolating cancer, until he meets a lonely 28yr old trying to escape her sad reality. His life is full of harsh lessons. Hers an uphill battle, so she never complains when a beautiful boy treats her badly. EXB AH

Twilight - Rated: M - English - Hurt/Comfort/Drama - Chapters: 13 - Words: 91,062 - Reviews: 1335 - Updated: 1-20-12 - Published: 9-16-11 - Edward & Bella

If you like angst this is the fic for you! Edward reads minds and Alice tells the future. They need to keep there identity a secret. Bella walks into Edwards Bar, called The Be Bar and Edward has an immediate attraction to her because of the way her mind works. Bella is a troubled Girl, money problems, ill father, and secrets of her own. This fic makes me laugh one second and cry the next. I love it.

Animate Me By Abstract Way (complete)

Summary: Professional animator Edward worships cartoon exec Bella from afar by day and draws her in his comic book late at night. When this Daffy Duck-loving geek comes face to face with his dream girl, will his fantasy world come to life?

Twilight - Rated: M - English - Romance - Chapters: 37 - Words: 199,937 - Reviews: 9209 - Updated: 1-14-12 - Published: 5-14-11 - Edward & Bella - Complete

Edward works for Animation Nation where Bella is the object of his affection and the inspiration of his Comic Book Hero, B Girl. Bella doesn't really know he exists until a chance meeting. They bond over Coffee and there relationship blossoms, except there is someone else in the way. I love me some Nerdward, it makes him a little more likeable. Carlisle in this fic is hilarious, at least to me.

If you check these stories out, tell them Shannabanana1 sent you over there.

Happy Reading.

Recipe Tuesday...

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer-Realtor) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:28:00 +0000

It is Soupapalooza at my house this week since the hubs is out of town and today through Thursday, the boys and I are having soup for dinner and these are the ones I am making this week. What are your favorite soups?

Taco Soup

Recipe courtesy Paula Deen

Prep Time:: 15 min
Inactive Prep Time:: --
Cook Time:: 6 hr 0 min

Level:: Easy

Serves:: 12 to 16 servings

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef
2 cups diced onions
2 (15 1/2-ounce) cans pinto beans
1 (15 1/2-ounce) can pink kidney beans
1 (15 1/4-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can tomatoes with chiles
2 (4 1/2-ounce) cans diced green chiles
1 (4.6-ounce) can black olives, drained and sliced, optional
1/2 cup green olives, sliced, optional
1 (1 1/4-ounce) package taco seasoning mix
1 (1-ounce) package ranch salad dressing mix
Corn chips, for serving
Sour cream, for garnish
Grated cheese, for garnish
Chopped green onions, for garnish
Pickled jalapenos, for garnish

Directions

Brown the ground beef and onions in a large skillet; drain the excess fat, then transfer the browned beef and onions to a large slow cooker or a stockpot. Add the beans, corn, tomatoes, green chiles, black olives, green olives, taco seasoning, and ranch dressing mix, and cook in a slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours or simmer over low heat for about 1 hour in a pot on the stove. To serve, place a few corn chips in each bowl and ladle soup over them. Top with sour cream, cheese, green onions and jalapenos.

Chicken Dumpling Soup

Recipe courtesy Pantry Restaurant at The Lion House

Prep Time:: --
Inactive Prep Time:: --
Cook Time:: --

Level:: Easy

Serves:: 8 to 10 servings

Ingredients

Soup:

2 to 3 tablespoons cooking oil
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
1/2 stalk celery, diced
Meat from 1 chicken, cooked and shredded
4 to 6 cups chicken broth
1 cup fresh cut green beans
1 cup pearl barley
1 teaspoon celery salt
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper

Dumplings:

1 cup milk
1/2 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cupall-purpose flour
3 eggs

Directions

Soup:

In a small amount of cooking oil sweat the onion, carrots and celery. Add chicken, broth, green beans, barley,celery salt, parsley and bay leaves. Simmer until the barley is tender, about 30 minutes.

Make dumplings:

Bring the milk and butter to a boil, add salt and nutmeg. Remove from heat and immediately add flour stirring until dough leaves the sides of the pan. Incorporate the eggs, 1 at a time, forming a sticky dough.

Season the soup, to taste, with salt and pepper. Add spoon sized balls of dumpling dough and simmer until dumplings rise.

Cheddar-Potato Soup

Prep Time:: 10 min
Inactive Prep Time:: --
Cook Time:: 10 min

Level:: Easy

Serves:: 4 servings

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced celery
6 cups reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups mashed potatoes
8 ounces shredded Cheddar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 teaspoon dry mustard
Hot sauce, optional

Directions

Add oil to a large pot set over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery and saute for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they start to soften. Add stock and mashed potatoes and bring to a simmer.

Using a hand blender or regular blender, puree soup until smooth (when using a regular blender, work in batches to prevent messy cleanups!). Add Cheddar, salt, white pepper, dry mustard and hot sauce. Stir to combine and allow the cheese to melt.

Monday Rave...

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer-Realtor) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:40:00 +0000

Since it is a new year and my blog is called Rants, Raves and Recipes, I am going to take about products that I love.

This week's Rave is Maybelline Mascaras. It is the only so called drugstore mascara my sensitive eyes can tolerate and I love these 3:

One by One Volume Express

I use Blackest Black because I love to define my lashes to their utmost when I am getting dressed up and going out.

The Classic Volume Express Waterproof

This is my everyday wear mascara, yes it is waterproof and it is also easy to remove. I use very black.

The Falsies Volume Express

This is the ultimate in dramatic for me, I wear this one when going out as well and when I like that smokey eye. Again Blackest Black is the color for me.

I will say that I am an old school southern gal and I rarely go out without makeup on, it is just not me to do so and it is even rarer that I go without mascara because I believe my eyes are one of my best features. I have used many mascaras and these 3 are the best for my eyes. What is your favorite Mascara brand and why?

Meal Planning...

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer-Realtor) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:27:00 +0000

I know, I know, I have done meal planning in the past and it hasn't worked so well, but I am giving it another try, as everyone in the house is trying to eat healthier and less eating out. So here is my plan for the next 2 weeks.

Meal Plan

Tues: Spiced Rubbed Chicken with Twiced Baked Potatoes, Salad

Wed: Meatball sandwiches, Edemame

Thur: Hamburger steak, egg noodles with beef gravy

Fri: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes

Sat: eat out

Sun: Roasted Chicken, roasted veg, salad, rolls

Mon: Chicken Stir fry

Tues: Soup-Chicken Tortilla

Wed: Soup-Lasagna

Thur: Soup-potato

Fri: Chicken Parmesan, salad, garlic bread.

Sat: eat out

Sun: Beef Roast, steamed rice, salad rolls

I got a late start this week but oh well, I am getting there.

So how did your weekend go? Mine was busy. I was at the Engaged Austin Bridal Show and here are some of my creations.

As you well know I love using pink and I love Peonies so these creations were fun to create.

Have a Great Week!!!!!

Yes it is that time again...

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer-Realtor) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:39:00 +0000

New Year Resolution time. Have you made your resolutions? I am working on mine, trying not to make them too unreachable.

1. Be healthier (no dieting)
2. Learn to Crochet (I need a new hobby)
3. Be me, not who I think I should be.
4. Be more organized and keep to my schedule
5. No more procrastination
6. Be a better mother
7. Learn French, just because.

So I think those are reachable don't you? What are some of yours!!!!

It's the Thursday Before Christmas...

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer-Realtor) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:42:00 +0000

and all through the house it is unusually quiet except for the washing machine.

Yes I am doing laundry today which will be even double when the hubs and the minions get home from their hunting trip. No they didn't get any deer but the Z-man got him some "deer horns" as he calls them so he is happy. They are driving in the rain today so I am hoping and praying they have a safe trip. I have also baked like 3 dozen cookies to give to friends and neighbors, not that I talk to the neighbors around me, I really don't even know my next door neighbors but being the season and all that I thought that I would be friendly.

It is a beautiful day in my neighborhood, but the new next door neighbor I haven't even seen and the other one works strange hours so I don't really know them. The neighbors I didn't like moved around the corner and its like then live in another universe and I never see them, which is partially my fault and theirs as well, because it can't be all mine right.

Wow I got off on a tangent there didn't I. So it is the Thursday before Christmas and I am doing laundry, laundry and more laundry, packing my stuff for the trip to my parents and repacking the minions. We haven't been up there for Christmas in a while so it will be a good change, I don't need to be Miss Martha Merry Christmas this year with the house, I even debating putting up the tree but the minions talked me into it. Do you put a tree if you are not going to be home for the holidays?

As this will probably be my last post before Christmas I want to wish all my readers a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy or Merry whatever you celebrate! My gift to you is my favorite Christmas Carol.

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Weekend!!!!

Easy Christmas Centerpieces...

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer-Realtor) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:25:00 +0000

Since my post about Thanksgiving Centerpieces was well received, I thought I would pass along DIY Christmas Centerpieces as well.

Utilize the leftover Christmas decorations, they add some bling and texture to your table.

Candles add the warm glow to any table...

Galvanized platter with leftover tree branches make your table campy and warm. New to me this year is Epsom salt snow, place in jars or vases and place candles in them, instant Christmas Snow. Cranberries are inexpensive and have lovely color and they float, place in a vase with a floating candle.

I hope this has helped you, now go make Christmas cookies instead of worrying over your table

I love my Job....

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer-Realtor) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:54:00 +0000

How many of you can truly say "I love my job"? Well I can. Yes my weekends are usually shot, getting up early or coming home late sometimes sucks, working in the heat of the summer months hoping the flowers don't wilt are somethings to worry about, but it is the smile on peoples faces when they see the creations we made. Like when a brides breaks down into tears when she sees her wedding bouquet for the first time, that makes my day. I am not doing this for the money I do what I do because I love it.

My floral was again featured on a news morning show here is the video.

Good Day Gets Some Tips on Decorating: MyFoxAUSTIN.com

Hey I was on the news...well kinda

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer-Realtor) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:11:00 +0000

at least my Floral Design was. Sunday morning I had to get up early and deliver some floral to KXAN news station for a Planner I work with at Blossom's. She was doing a segment about Holiday centerpieces and place settings and I did the centerpiece for the glamorous party at "name your own upscale hotel"

I loved doing this arrangement because you all know I love pink and a little bling. Thanks to Keri Wootten for letting me do it.

Here is the segment

Ok, Ok, here are the recipes...

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer-Realtor) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:58:00 +0000

Yesterday I made two quick breads and it was like a feeding frenzy for the recipes on Facebook. Enjoy them!!!

Pumpkin Bread

Posted by Elise on Oct 5, 2006

Filed under Bakery, Dessert, Seasonal Favorites: Fall

Pumpkin Bread Recipe

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups (200g) flour
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 cup (200 g) sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup (240 ml) pumpkin purée*
1/2 cup (120 ml) olive oil
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 cup (120 ml) chopped walnuts

* To make pumpkin purée, cut a pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds and stringy stuff, lie face down on a foil or Silpat lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F until soft, about 45 min to an hour. Cool, scoop out the flesh. Freeze whatever you don't use for future use. Or, if you are working with pumpkin pieces, roast or boil them until tender, then remove and discard the skin.

METHOD

1 Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Sift together the flour, salt, sugar, and baking soda.

2 Mix the pumpkin, oil, eggs, 1/4 cup of water, and spices together, then combine with the dry ingredients, but do not mix too thoroughly. Stir in the nuts.

3 Pour into a well-buttered 9x5x3 inch loaf pan. Bake 50-60 minutes until a thin skewer poked in the very center of the loaf comes out clean. Turn out of the pan and let cool on a rack.

Can easily double the recipe.

Yield: Makes one loaf.

Nutella Banana Bread

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/4 cups mashed ripe banana
1/3 cup skim milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 heaping cup Nutella

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 8×4-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda & salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat sugar and butter with an electric mixer at medium speed until blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add banana, milk and vanilla. Beat until blended.
4. Add flour mixture, beat at low speed just until flour is incorporated (don’t over mix).
5. Spoon Nutella into a small dish and soften in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Add 1 cup of the banana bread batter to the Nutella and stir until blended well. Spoon Nutella batter alternately with plain banana bread batter into the prepared pan. Swirl batters together with a knife.
5. Bake 50 to 60 minutes, it will seem a tiny bit undercooked but that’s what makes it good. Cool for at least 15 minutes in the pan, and then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Easy DIY Thanksgiving Centerpieces

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer-Realtor) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Yes it is the week of Thanksgiving and you forgot to order your Thanksgiving table centerpieces, well I have your solution. Here are some easy option for you.

Candles are always an option:

Wrap real veggies around them, hollow out gourds and place the candle in them.

Gourds or veggies are also good for floral as well.

Easier options for you can be to place fall themed vase fillers in a cluster of vases with candles. Clustering is very popular right now.

I hope this helps you in your centerpiece dilemma for you Thanksgiving table. Have a great Holiday.

Growing Up...

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer-Realtor) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 23:01:00 +0000

So I am sitting here at the Kitchen Table waiting for Minion 1 to get home from his friends. He should be home by 5, one minute before 5 I get a phone call asking to stay longer and of course I say no and told him he should have already been on his way home. Let the excuses begin, "I lost track of time" "Andrew just got here"... He wants a little freedom and independence and go over again and I am all for that, so I was hoping I would be able to trust him since this is his first time to stay over a friends and come home by himself. So now I have the extreme pleasure of punishing him. That is sarcasm if you don't know me very well.

I will tell him that he will need to earn my trust again and until he can he will not be able to go over his friends house. Is that enough punishment for this infraction or does there need to be more? I believe it is, for now.

How do your children earn your trust to have a little bit of freedom and independence.