The Phizzing Tub...

Christmas Songs....

phizzingtub@hotmail.com (Sandy) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 02:54:00 +0000

I am sure that we can all sing a Christmas carol or two or hum a few lines.

Now, in the category of Christmas songs that might be a little different.

12 Pains of Christmas

This is one song that the boys are enjoying this year.

I can recall hearing it way back when but never thought much about it since then.

That was until last year going to PA for Christmas.

We were all in stitches laughing and it brought a flood of memories of my dad arguing with the lights.

Our lights never seemed to work from year to year and my dad had a HUGE margarine container full of replacement bulbs for the just in case moment. Yeah, there was always that moment once the lights were half way up or finally put up that we had to find the right bulb to make the string work.
Ah, the words we heard during that time.
lol...

The boys had me search for a good rendition of the song and I have to say the one below is just how I imagine it.

Enjoy the 12 Pains of Christmas....

Colleen's Buttermilk Chicken - Recipe

phizzingtub@hotmail.com (Sandy) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:20:00 +0000

What to do with a bit of left over buttermilk?
I thought about making a cake but not enough and not enough to whip up any other mouth watering goodies.
So...
I discovered this great recipe online and opted to give it a whirl.
Fast, tasty and a total hit with everyone.
Dh infact said that this one should go in the make again file.
*jaw drops open*

Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

* Exported from MasterCook *

Colleen's Buttermilk Chicken

Recipe By: Colleen
Serving Size: 4
Categories: Dinners

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
4 boneless chicken
1 1/2 cups buttermilk -- divided
3/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup butter
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup 98% FF
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder

Combine flour, salt and pepper.
Dip chicken into 1/2 cup buttermilk.
Roll in flour, salt and pepper mixture.
Melt butter in a baking pan, put chicken in pan.
Bake at 425 uncovered for 30 minutes.
Turn an bake 15 more minutes.
Turn over again.
Combine 1 cup buttermilk and fat free Cream of Mushroom soup over chicken.
Heat again for 15 minutes or until soup has been warmed.

Source:
"About.com"
Yield:
"4 "
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving: 484 Calories; 16g Fat (31.2% calories from fat); 58g Protein; 23g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 166mg Cholesterol; 640mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 Grain(Starch); 7 1/2 Lean Meat; 1/2 Non-Fat Milk; 2 1/2 Fat.

Serving Ideas:

Side Salad
Green Beans
Buttermilk Biscuit or Mashed Potatoes

NOTES:

As usual I added in some garlic powder. :)

I would add more black pepper than what is called for in the recipe.

Oh, so simple Christmas Tree....

phizzingtub@hotmail.com (Sandy) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 02:57:00 +0000

Alright, I grew up with always having a natural tree for Christmas.
I can recall going out in the deep snow, chilling wind blowing, freezing my butt off begging for my parents to hurry up.
Yes, there is nothing like having a real tree and the great aroma of pine through the house.
Ahhh....

Yet, living in the South and getting your holiday Christmas tree is just not the same.
Yeah, we have a few local areas to find a tree (cut your own) or we could drive to NC to cut one down.
We also have the local lots where you can pick a tree out, only issue with that is not knowing how long ago it was cut down.
I mean, you don't want to get a tree that was cut down at the end of November, with no water for a week to two because the needles will be all over the place.
Ask me how I know.
So, for the past ten years we have had a fake tree.
The first three years here were with a real tree and not the best tree memories.
Anywho, it was time to replace our old tree so today we opted to by a prelit tree.
OMG!
Spencer and I had that tree up in less than five minutes.
Take out of box, insert parts 2 and 3, undo sting, fold down branches and plug in cords.
That is all it took.
No fuss, no muss, and best of all no messing with stringing the lights.
The whole process was oh, so simple.
THANK YOU to the person who invented this type of tree.
Now to go and get the rest of the house decorated.

$25 Gift Certificate to Oh! Nuts...

phizzingtub@hotmail.com (Sandy) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 02:46:00 +0000

Don't forget to enter my Christmas giveaway for a $25 Gift Certificate to Oh! Nuts.

Excellent way to purchase some wonderful nuts and yummy candy for this holiday season.

The products are fresh and arrive to your door in record time.

Go here to read how to enter the giveaway.

Good Luck!!

Oriental Flank Steak -- Recipe

phizzingtub@hotmail.com (Sandy) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 02:32:00 +0000

Mmm..

A quick beef dinner that will become a fast favorite in any household. :)

Yummy!

BTW- I used a Foreman Grill to make this and it was totally perfect.

* Exported from MasterCook *

Oriental Flank Steak

Recipe By: Favorite Brand Name Chinese Cookbook
Serving Size : 6
Categories: Main Dinner

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup Italian Salad dressing
2 tablespoons brown sugar -- packed
2 tablespoons soy sauce, low sodium
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 1/2 pounds Flank steak -- or a top round steak

In a large, shallow non aluminum baking dish or plastic bag, combine all ingredients except steak. Add steak , turn to coat.
Cover, or close bag, and marinate in refrigerator, turn occasionally, 3 to 24 hours.
Remove steak, reserving marinade. grill or broil steak, turning once, until steak is done.
Meanwhile, in small saucepan, bring reserved marinade to a boil and continue boiling 1 minute. Pour over steak.

Yield:
"6 "
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving: 307 Calories; 21g Fat (63.2% calories from fat); 22g Protein; 6g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 58mg Cholesterol; 434mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 3 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 2 1/2 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.

Tis the season...

phizzingtub@hotmail.com (Sandy) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 01:16:00 +0000

Ah, tis the season to be frazzled.

I have posts that I am not working on, school work that needs help/reviewing (boys are doing the virtual schooling this year), house that needs a cleaning, dogs that have needs, yard that must be raked, holiday cards that need to be signed/mailed, gifts to be bought and shipped.

Phew!

Hurmph.. there is also checking Facebook and dealing with all my farms, fish and cafe.

Just work with me on this frazzled stuff, I will work it out some way some how.... I think.

Oh! don't forget to enter my $25 Gift Certificate Giveaway from Oh! Nuts.

John Deere Drawings for Dad

phizzingtub@hotmail.com (Sandy) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:07:00 +0000

Over this past weekend I was able to put together my dad's Christmas gift.

I purchased some pen and ink cards of John Deere tractors back in October.

This was just perfect; you see my dad restores old John Deere tractors.

Odd hobby in some ways but it keeps him busy and happy.

These John Deere drawings are beautifully created by Carolyn DeMorest Serrano a local NC artist who can be found at The Curb Market in Hendersonville, NC.

I zipped to Michael's and picked up with the boys the mats and frames.

They were very good at helping me decide what would look good with them.

I am pleased with how they turned out and I know my dad will really enjoy them.

He should not find out about these for they have no clue I have this blog.

Well, I hope they don't.

*crosses fingers*

25 Days of Chirstmas Schedule..

phizzingtub@hotmail.com (Sandy) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:00:00 +0000

Can you believe that it is that time of year again for the 25 Days of Christmas on ABC Family?

Gather up the family every night from now until Christmas Day and enjoy some holiday fun.

Don't forget to make some popcorn or hot cocoa for the show. :)

You can check out the 25 Days of Christmas Schedule and make it a family night.

Gazelle.com ... Review

phizzingtub@hotmail.com (Sandy) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:34:00 +0000

Two Thumbs Up!!

Dh and I were left with two phones when we made the switch to our Iphones and I wanted to make sure that we recycled them in some fashion.

I researched and found Gazelle.com.

They take your old electronics and pay you for them.
We had two phones sitting around after we switched to our IPhones.
I wanted to make sure that we recycled them in some fashion so I went online looking for ways to do so.
I stumbled upon Gazelle.com and decided to give them a try.
They pay you for recycling your electronic items with them.
Sounded like a great idea to me. :D

The whole process is super easy.

Select what you are interested in selling, view the price, accept price, add any other items in and then select method of payment.
We opted for an Amazon Gift Certificate that will be used to purchase Christmas presents. :)
A box can be shipped to you or you use your own to mail in your items.
You are kept informed during the whole process, which I have to say is outstanding.
I received an email when the package arrived, when they were reviewing our phones, when the phones were accepted and when I could expect payment.
It doesn't get much better than that.

I used our own box, printed out the shipping label and mailed the items out.
The whole process took about two weeks from the point I mailed the phones to when I received notification of payment.

Oh.So.Easy.

So, if you have any electronic items in your place collecting dust you just might want to check out Gazelle.com.

Dining Room Finally Done!!

phizzingtub@hotmail.com (Sandy) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:55:00 +0000

Our dining room is finally done!

It has taken us a couple of years *cough4cough* to finally get it finished and I am loving every minute of the new look. The red actually makes the room feel so much bigger

We were quite lucky to have been able to hire Spencer's former soccer coach to come and skin the walls and then paint for us the week before Thanksgiving.

This was the wallpaper that used to be on the walls and I have to say I was never a fan of it.

Trying to rip off the wallpaper on non prepped walls was such a joy.
hahaha
This ended up in gouges in the dry wall and many *#&$ choice words being said.
It would have been nice if we could have left the wallpaper on the wall but little fingers began to rip and tear it up.
No choice but to try to get it all down.

Walls prepped and just about ready to be painted.

Moving items slowly back in and capturing the true color of the walls.

Now all I need to do is find some lovely white curtains and get a picture framed for one of the walls.

I'm one happy camper!

If you are wondering the color is Sherwin Williams Real Red.

Happy Thanksgiving...

phizzingtub@hotmail.com (Sandy) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Oh! Nuts Giveaway!!

phizzingtub@hotmail.com (Sandy) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:15:00 +0000

The holiday season is now upon us and what better way to celebrate than by offering a Christmas Gift Giveaway!

Oh! Nuts is nice enough to give me a $25 gift certificate to the lucky winner.

If you have never ordered from Oh! Nuts you are in for a real treat. They have a wide selection of candy and nuts that are of premium quality. We order our cashews, sunflower seeds and dried pineapple from them. The orders are filled quickly and shipped promptly, you will be surprised by the speed they arrive to you.

There are 3 ways to enter:

1. Go to the Oh Nuts Christmas Nut Gift page. Choose your favorite Christmas Gift and leave a comment on this blog post with the name and url of the gift you love the most.

2. Go to the oh nuts facebook page become a fan and post on the wall the url and name of your favorite Christmas Gift.

Please write "I am here via "Phizzingtub Blog"

3. Follow @ohnuts and should Tweet:

“ Win a free Christmas Gift from http://bit.ly/537HNp Follow @ohnuts & Retweet to enter.”

Winner will be selected on December 15th.

Open to those in the United States.

I will pick a random winner and you will receive a $25 gift certificate from Oh! Nuts.

Easy Peasy.

Go on..

What are you waiting for?!?

Good luck!

Foamhenge....

phizzingtub@hotmail.com (Sandy) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:58:00 +0000

Seriously.

Foamhenge!

We stumbled across this when we were driving down to Appomattox, VA.

I just had to stop and see it.

(That is put in a request to go back and see it since we zipped by pretty quickly.)

We went back on Sunday when we were leaving so I could snap a picture and say, "I was there."

Yes, it really is made out of foam and it is exactly like the real Stonehenge.

Pretty cool.

I was not too sure however that we were going to make it out of the pull off due to the mud and a Gigantic pothole.

Holy cow, I thought we lost the whole front end of the when DH hit it.

It was great fun, now we just need to see the real thing one day!

Psst..it's free too! :D

and I'm back...

phizzingtub@hotmail.com (Sandy) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:28:00 +0000

We had a whirl wind of a weekend and that is why there were no posts Saturday and Sunday.

I was really hoping that I would have time to drop a line or two with my Iphone but time was really not going as I had hoped.

So were did we end up?

Natural Bridge, VA

5.5 hours away, we left Friday afternoon and arrived home last night around dinner time.

All I can say is camping.

Yeah, you did see that correctly.

Camping.

It is so nice to be home.

*sigh*

Love this Water Tower

phizzingtub@hotmail.com (Sandy) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:21:00 +0000

**edited post to add the picture back in..went missing for some reason.

Passed by the giant peach water tower today.

I have to say that it is so cool, it is located in the heart of where majority of the peaches are grown here in South Carolina.

How could you not love this tower?

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

phizzingtub@hotmail.com (Sandy) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:16:00 +0000

No time to fuss making dinner tonight due to lack of time trying to get the kiddos working ahead on their work for next week.
Plus, many other things going on so this meant a crockpot meal of some sort.
First time is a charm with this recipe!
Great taste, and of course super easy to make.

Oh! I made a double batch and froze half for another crazy day in the future.

* Exported from MasterCook *

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Recipe By: Gemini062069
Serving Size : 4 Preparation Time: 6 hrs
Categories: Main Meal

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
4 chicken breasts no skin - boneless
16 ounces black beans, canned
1 cup whole kernel corn, frozen
1 cup onion -- chopped
1 package taco seasoning mix
1 jar salsa -- mild, medium or hot
8 ounces Cream cheese

Place chicken breasts in bottom of crockpot.
Add beans, corn, onion, taco seasoning and salsa.
Cook on high 4-6 hours.
Add cream cheese when there is 30 minutes remaining.
Stir before serving. Chicken will shred and the cream cheese will make a nice creamy sauce.

Source:
"www.mixingbowl.com"
Yield:
"4 "
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving: 432 Calories; 16g Fat (34.0% calories from fat); 45g Protein; 25g Carbohydrate; 6g Dietary Fiber; 133mg Cholesterol; 1024mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 Grain(Starch); 6 Lean Meat; 1 Vegetable; 2 1/2 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.

NOTES:

Can save even more calories using a FF cream cheese.
Taco shells or tortilla shells any other fixings you would like - salsa, sour cream, lettuce

Thanksgiving Quiz...

phizzingtub@hotmail.com (Sandy) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:42:00 +0000

Alrighty..it's quiz time again.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner so no time like the present to throw a quiz out there.

This is a short (10 questions) quiz that is fun and easy.

Really, it is easy.

Go and test your memory on what you learned about Thanksgiving.

I scored a 9/10... not too shabby.

Good luck. :D

Thanksgiving Quiz

Vacuum vs. Squeaky Toy....

phizzingtub@hotmail.com (Sandy) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:28:00 +0000

This past weekend I found a cute little holiday squeaky toy for Teddy, he needs a new toy every now and then.

He was thrilled with his new little toy.

He was took it outside, slept with it and of course played with it.

On Sunday he bounded outside minus his toy so I quickly brought out the vacuum to clean.

I was zipping around the floor, noticed his toy but was *cough*too lazy*cough* to push it out of the way. (I think you now know where this is heading.)

Really, I was aiming to just simply tap the side of the squeaky with the vacuum and the next thing I knew it was sucked up and into the bag.

*gulp*

I hoped he would not nice, silly me.

He noticed right away and then proceeded to give me the sad puppy dog eyes for hours.

Darn those eyes.

Above is his new toy and he now has a special hiding spot for it, can't blame him.

Vacuum 1 Squeaky Toy 0

What a surprise!

phizzingtub@hotmail.com (Sandy) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:19:00 +0000

To say the least this was a surprise!

It is mid-November, right?

Looks like one of the tomatoes that fell int the pot reseeded itself and with all the warmer weather began to grow.

You know your tired when....

phizzingtub@hotmail.com (Sandy) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:52:00 +0000

You simply hit post when you have not even written anything in the body for the post.

You are getting ready for bed, grab the first red jar you notice without looking at it (your night cream is in the same color jar), open it up and begin spreading the "cream" all over your face. Only to find out after a minute or two of having the stuff on your face that you are applying your hair putty.

Yup, guess I have been a wit tired lately.

Borden Applewood Bacon Chedder Cheese - Review

phizzingtub@hotmail.com (Sandy) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:10:00 +0000

O.M.W!

So, it was lunch and I wanted a grilled cheese to go with my soup but as my luck would have it we were out of cheese.

Well, kinda sorta out of cheese for my sandwich.

You see DH and I purchase this Borden Applewood Bacon Cheddar Cheese a few weeks ago for Nate but he never tried it.

Nate + bacon = one happy teenager

I was really desperate for grilled cheese so, it was up to me to give it a whirl.

Let me tell you, I am thrilled that I did.

It has a wonderful bacon flavor mixed with the creamy cheese.

Oh.Boy!

I think I know what I will be having for lunch tomorrow.

*grin*

Trust me it is really that good!

Happy Veterans Day

phizzingtub@hotmail.com (Sandy) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:29:00 +0000

Thank you to all of those that have served, or

are currently serving in the American Armed Forces.

Pumpkin Patch Cake Pan..

phizzingtub@hotmail.com (Sandy) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:07:00 +0000

How cute is this cake?

Six little pumpkins nestled in a fence that you can decide how to decorate; this would make the perfect cake for Thanksgiving which is right around the corner.

The pan is nonstick aluminum that is made by NordicWare an excellent name in bake ware.

You can purchase on here from BrylaneHome and it's on sale!

Fajita Marinade... Recipe

phizzingtub@hotmail.com (Sandy) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:24:00 +0000

This is my marinade that is quite tasty and makes for some excellent fajitas.

The longer you leave the beef in to marinate the more flavor they will have.

Adjust the ingredients to your liking, cook any way you would like and simply enjoy!

:D

* Exported from MasterCook *

Fajitas Marinade

Recipe By: Phizzingtub

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 tablespoons garlic -- chopped
2 pinches Kosher salt
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1/4 cup Cilantro -- chopped
1 tablespoon Tapatio Sauce

Mix all ingredients together, add beef and let marinate.

The longer you marinate the better the flavor will be in the steak.

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

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 284 Calories; 27g Fat (83.8% calories from fat); 3g Protein; 9g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 261mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 1 Vegetable; 5 1/2 Fat.

Thai Beef and Noodle Toss - Recipe

phizzingtub@hotmail.com (Sandy) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:24:00 +0000

Lately we have been on a hot and spicy kick in the house especially Thai foods.
Mmm....
This recipe is from one cookbook I snapped up over the summer.
I have to say that this was one fast and easy recipe to make and enjoy.
A huge hit with the family. :D

* Exported from MasterCook *

Thai Beef and Noodle Toss

Serving Size: 4
Categories: Main Meal

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 pound beef round, tip, R-T-C -- cut 1/4-inch thick
1 jalapeno chile pepper -- chopped fine
2 tablespoons garlic -- chopped fine
2 tablespoons sesame oil -- divided
1 Package Ramen soup, baked -- beef noodles
1 cup carrots -- sliced diagonally
1/2 cup green onions -- chopped
1/2 cup A-1® Steak Sauce
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons cilantro -- chopped

Cut steak crosswise into 1 inch wide strips; cut each strip in half. In a large bowl, toss steaks, jalapenos, and garlic with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
Break noodles into 3 or 4 pieces; set aside seasoning packet. Cook noodles according to package directions; drain and rinse. Meanwhile, heat large skillet or wok in batches 30-60 second or until steak is desired doneness. Remove steak mixture from skillet; keep warm.
In same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil, stir fry carrots and green onions until tender. Add cooked noodles, steak sauce water and cilantro; sprinkle with remaining seasoning packet.
Return warm steak mixture to skillet; mix lightly. Serve immediately.

Source:
"Favorite Brand Name Chinese - Publications International, Co"
Copyright:
"1998"
Yield:
"4 "
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving: 360 Calories; 19g Fat (46.5% calories from fat); 26g Protein; 22g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 69mg Cholesterol; 808mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 Grain(Starch); 3 Lean Meat; 1 Vegetable; 2 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.

NOTES:

The original recipe called for 2 cloves of garlic chopped, I opted for two huge tablespoonfuls of chopped garlic.
I did not use the whole packet of beef flavor from the Ramen noodles.
Original recipe called for Hearty A-1 Steak Sauce, I used what we had on hand original A-1. I would reduce it down a little bit.
Peanuts can be added to the dish about 1/4 cup.