Rants, Raves and Recipes

Fan Fic Recommendation Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer) — 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) — 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) — 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) — 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) — 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) — 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) — 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) — 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) — 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) — 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) — 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) — 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) — 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) — 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) — 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.

Balance...

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:27:00 +0000

As I am sure you have noticed I have not been blogging lately. I have been rather busy though. I am trying to balance everything I have going on right now and I am finding it pretty hard to do.

How do you go from this:to this: .

I need working moms opinions on this. This is my first foray into the working moms world. How do you balance work, family, house, friends and get time for yourself? The job I do is in the wedding and event industry so I mainly work weekends so that limits my time with the boys as they have school all week and I am usually gone all day on Saturday. How do I get more organized with things around the house? Housework is not my favorite thing, therefore I really hate doing it, so trying to be more diligent with it and starting new routines and keeping them up is really hard for me. I am finding it hard when I am at home on a day off to get up and do what needs to be done around the house. Take today for example, it is 12:20 and I have done nothing around the house even though it needs a good cleaning so I am therefore sitting here blogging and procrastinating. So my lovely readers, help me out here, give me some word of wisdom, advice and how to's.

I do need to say I love my job now, there has never been a time when I wanted to go to work and now I do. I am excited to create beautiful thing for people to see.

How can you not smile when you look at that.

Beer 30!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

I am a beer drinker, I like it better than wine, although I do drink wine as well, anyway... There is a local beer my friends and I just love and sometimes it is hard to come by, HEB only carries a few and if you can't find it there you have to go all the way to Spec's, yes, all the way to Spec's(which is really only about 10 miles away).

Austin Amber is locally brewed by Independence Brewing Company a local Austin brewing company. It has a caramelly (is that even a word) smoothness to it that makes it easily drinkable. Try it you will love it.

They also have seasonable beers such as...

Yes this one has limited availability at or around the UT/OU game formally known as The Red River Shootout.

So get some and show your support for a local favorite of mine

Recipe Tuesday...Time for Pie!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 17:59:00 +0000

The Hubs loves Pistachio's and one day we were out and about and we came across a diner and they had Pistachio Pie and he loved it. So I have been wanting to make him one. Here are 2 recipes, one easy on more difficult.

Banana Pistachio Pie

by the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Banana Pistachio Pie

YIELD Makes 8 servings
See Cooking Videos

INGREDIENTS

3/4	cup cinnamon graham cracker crumbs
2	tablespoons reduced-fat margarine, melted
2	packages (4-serving size each) fat-free sugar-free instant pistachio pudding and pie filling mix
2‑1/2	cups fat-free (skim) milk
1	large ripe banana, sliced
1/4	teaspoon ground cinnamon
1	cup thawed frozen reduced-fat whipped topping
Additional thawed frozen reduced-fat whipped topping (optional)

PREPARATION:

Combine graham cracker crumbs and margarine in small bowl; stir with fork until crumbly. Press crumb mixture onto bottom of 9-inch pie plate.
Prepare pudding mix according to manufacturer's pie directions, using 2-1/2 cups milk. Gently stir in banana and cinnamon; fold in 1 cup whipped topping. Pour into prepared crust. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Top with additional whipped topping before serving, if desired.

Chocolate Pistachio Pie

From O, The Oprah Magazine

Pie Dough

2 cup(s) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoon(s) sugar
1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
3 tablespoon(s) cocoa, preferably Dutch-processed
12 tablespoon(s) (1 1/2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract (optional)

Pie Filling

1 1/2 cup(s) half-and-half
3 large egg yolks
3/4 cup(s) dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon(s) cornstarch
2 tablespoon(s) cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon(s) salt
4 ounce(s) bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
3 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter
1 1/2 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
3/4 cup(s) heavy cream
5 teaspoon(s) pistachio paste (available at kingarthurflour.com)
2 teaspoon(s) sugar
1 tablespoon(s) pistachios, finely chopped
Chocolate shavings, for garnish (optional)

To Make Pie Dough: Stir together flour, sugar, salt, and cocoa in a large bowl.
Use a pastry blender or a fork to cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse mealwith pea-size bits of butter throughout. (Or combine dry ingredients in a food processor, then pulse in butter.)
Drizzle in 1 to 2 tablespoons of ice water at a time (up to 6 tablespoons total), tossing after each addition, and using only enough water to make dough clump together when squeezed. Add vanilla (if using).
Pat dough into a 4-inch circle, tightly cover with plastic wrap or parchment, and chill for 30 minutes or up to 2 days (or freeze for up to 3 months).
To Make Pie: Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut cold dough into 4 pieces and grate into a 9-inch pie plate using large holes of a box grater; work quickly to keep dough cold. Press dough into bottom, sides, and along the rim of pan to uniform thickness. Trim excess dough; crimp edges. Chill 20 minutes.
Line shell with parchment paper and fill with rice or pie weights. Bake 10 to 12 minutes; remove rice and paper and bake until crust is cooked through, 8 to 10 more minutes. Cool on a rack.
Whisk half-and-half, yolks, brown sugar, cornstarch, cocoa, and salt in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and bubbles. Cook 1 minute more; remove from heat. Stir in bittersweet chocolate, butter, and vanilla. Pour into pie shell; cool completely. Transfer to refrigerator to set, at least 2 hours or up to 2 days.
When serving, make a topping by beating heavy cream, pistachio paste, and sugar (if using) in a cold bowl to soft peaks. Sprinkle pie with pistachios and chocolate shavings (if using); add a dollop of pistachio cream to each slice.

I hope you enjoy these!

Have a Rave of a Day!!!!

What is your Favorite Fall Fashion Accessory?

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 04:37:00 +0000

Fall is here and even though it doesn't really feel like it in Texas, but I digress. I love fall and I love wearing warm cozy clothing and scarves are nothing but cozy to me.

So many colors

So many textures

and so many ways to wear them

What is your new Favorite Fall Accessory?

Have a wonderful day!!!!

Lather, Rinse Repeat...

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 18:28:00 +0000

It is finally Fall in Texas now, cool mornings, warm days so after a summer of no rain, 90 something days of 100 degree temps and the worst fire season ever, I will take it. It is also time for me to refresh the look and content of my blog. I know I have probably lost all of my readers since I haven't posted in so long, I hope you are still there and if you are let me know. What would you like to see out of the blog to make it more readable, better and more interesting? I want to hear from you so let me have it.

I know this is a short post but I need to start somewhere right.

Motivation Monday...

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:35:00 +0000

As you all know, I hate Mondays, it doesn't matter if I have anything planned or not, I just don't like them. On Mondays everything usually goes awry, amiss, wrong, something breaks down, someone gets sick, you name it, it happens on my Mondays. The only thing I can think that is good about this Monday is that the Minions go back to school in a week, which will leave me a peacefully quiet house for 6 hours, but that is not until next Monday. What happens to you mainly on Mondays that just want to make you hide out until it is over? What get you Motivated on a Monday because I need some new Ideas.

Now as I sit here writing this blog post the bickering and name calling between the minions start. Next will be the Whining and then me yelling at them because apparently it is the only way to get through to them after the whining starts. Yes this is how my typical Monday start now I am just waiting for the roof to cave in.

So for today in music I give you The Ting Tings

Friday, Friday, Got to get down on Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:46:00 +0000

Yes the Rebecca Black song is in my head, well it has been in my head since Wednesday night and it is annoying the hell out of me.

So for some reason I woke up with lots of energy this morning, which is usually a good thing because I am not a morning person so I will probably crash and be cranky later, sorry Blossom, I will try not to be. I am already Sarcastic

Who woulda thought? Me? No...

Anyway...
Guess what readers, my 20 year High School Reunion is coming up, woohoo. Don't get me wrong, I would love to catch up with all the people from my class, its just, you know, 20 YEARS!!!!!!!

This was me in HS

This is me now (well at least a year ago)

Which is a slight improvement from 10 years ago but not really where I wanna be. So did you go to your High School Reunion? If so how was it?

Main Dish No cook recipes...

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:33:00 +0000

I know, I know, I have no excuses, so I give you recipes today.

Asian Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Ingredients

- 2 cups fresh cilantro leaves and soft stems

Directions

Make dressing: In a blender, combine cilantro, lime juice, and oil; season with salt and pepper. Blend until smooth.

In a large bowl, combine chicken, cabbage, bell pepper, and scallions; season with salt and pepper. In another large bowl, toss lettuce with 1/2 cup dressing. Divide among four bowls, and top with chicken mixture. Drizzle all with remaining dressing, and sprinkle with cashews

.
Southwestern Chicken Wraps

Ingredients

3/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream

2 to 3 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapenos

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

- Coarse salt and ground pepper
- 4 sandwich wraps (10 inches each)
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken or turkey
- 1 can (15 ounces) drained and rinsed black beans
- 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, thinly sliced

Directions

In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, jalapenos, and lime juice; season with salt and pepper.

Spread sandwich wraps with sour-cream sauce, leaving a 2-inch border. In center of wraps, layer equal amounts of baby spinach, shredded chicken, black beans, tomato, onion, and avocado. For each wrap, fold two sides of wrap over filling, then roll tightly, ending seam side down.

So as I said I am really sorry about not blogging for most of the Summer, I haven't been inspired, it has been so hot, we have had no rain so everything is dry and ugly, we have news of brush fires daily, places that have no water left. I leave you with what is inspiring me right now, Luscious rainforests, rain clouds, waterfalls.

Thankful Thursday...

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:58:00 +0000

I really need to be more thankful for everything and everyone I have in my life so I am joining the Thankful Thursday Bandwagon.

Today I will talk about family.

I am thankful for my minions, even though they drive me crazy on occasion.

My Z-man

makes me laugh and knows just when I need hugs and snuggles.

The J-man is my sensitive son,

sometimes he needs a little extra attention, he is growing up so fast, too fast in my opinion.

The Hubs

Even though he has no fashion sense and an awful dry sense of humor, I love him.

What are you thankful for on this Thankful Thursday?

School's out for Summer!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Palmer) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 21:10:00 +0000

and yes my nerves are already frazzled with anticipation, but I got a break this week because the minions are at my parents and I am trying to relax. I really need to clean the house since they aren't around to destroy everything 5 minutes after I am done but I can't get motivated to do it. I am enjoying the quiet while reading lots.

Do you have plans for your kids this summer, if so, what are they? I am really interested because I have no plans like every other summer. I know I should have done some sort of camp but, why? There are so many out there and are really expensive for just 3 hours a day. I am thinking about joining the Cedar Park Rec Center, they have great activities for the kids and me.

Are there any great vacation plans out there too? We will probably end up at the beach at some time this summer but other than that we have no plans.

I will be posting sporadically, which is basically what I have been doing, with work and the kids it seems like there is not enough time in the day for it anymore.

I do love my readers and your comments inspire me to write more and get my creative juices flowing so please comment. They make me smile.

Have a great summer