Nicki Woo - The Home Guru

Summer Cooler: Orange Lemon Mint Water . . . .Drink of Champions

2012-05-28T11:08:00.000-05:00

[Enter my Lawry's Dinnertising Giveaway for a chance to win Rachael RAy's Cookware and Lawry's New! Spices]

On Monday I sat on my bicycle in spin and I thought I was going to die.

Actually, I may have died momentarily. I blacked out, so I'm not really sure.
My instructor played this song called "Bossy," while I died my slow death.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FDlRMrpT-w

When the refrain, "I'm just a little bossy," would come on, she'd scream it at the top of her lungs.
And then she'd yell and tell us we were cheating, and slacking, and that if we didn't work as hard as humanely possible, she would really punish us.

And I believed her.

So even though my thighs were burning and sweat was dripping into the corners of my eyes, and that darn wedged seat continued to ride up my tail, I spun, and I spun, and I spun.

Not because that crazy lady told me to.
Not because my butt droops and my stomach loops.
But because all I could think about was my 8 year old kid, who was just 7 years old 2 weeks ago, and how she played NINE softball games last weekend, 5 on Sunday, IN THE HOT, HOT, SUN, on a dusty, dusty field, all from the losers bracket in which they had to play back, to back without any break.

And yet. . . . .
She and her teammates played.
They hit.
They slid.
Their cleats flew and their hearts grew.
They were tired. But they fought amidst yells, and cheers and jeers from their parents. "OH. COME ON! DO THIS! DO THAT! RUN TO SECOND!!! HIT THAT BALL. SLIDE, SLIDE, SLIDE!!!!"

Faces full of grit.
Thighs aching.
Feet tired. Sweat dripping.
Hearts pounding.
They played.
From 9 in the morning till 4 in the afternoon.
They played inning after inning, until all the other teams were sent home, except two.
And then they played one more game.
And they won.

And their hearts soared.
And my heart soared for them.
And now, I feel like I have no right to complain.
Ever.
Because they taught me, its possible to bear the heat. the pain. to endure what seems impossible.
No matter how big or little you are or horribly tired you feel.
We all have the power to be great.
Its just whether or not you choose to be.

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

So here are the winners of The Battle of the All-Stars Tournament.
The Blaze.

Here's a video clip at the moment they won.

http://youtu.be/N6yjvQcrnZ4

They are doing it all over next weekend. May the force be with them.
And with us all.

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Oh Lordy.
It sure was hot out there.

Bella didn't look dehydrated, but I know I was. When I sit in the heat for the day, and my kids are in a competition, its hard for me to eat or drink. Basically my stomach gets into knots, and I pace around the bleachers and get nauseous.

So today I'm dehydrated.
I should drink plenty of water.
But because I'm on such a high, from my kiddos performance yesterday, I think it calls for a fancy water.
Pretty water.
Water that calls to you and tells you that its wonderful and so are you.
Water that screams YOU DESERVE TO BE SPECIAL. To have essence of citrus and mint dancing in your mouth.

Water that says, "It's summer, summertime. Why not sit back and unwind?"

Orange Lemon Mint Water
WE played (when I say ""WE" I mean them) again this weekend. WE (they) got third place. They looked hot and tired. I think they may have needed Orange Lemon Mint Water.

Ingredients:

1 Orange
1 Lime
1 Lemon
4 Quarts Water
2 Sprigs of Mint
Ice

Directions:

1.) Fill your pitcher halfway with ice. Slice orange, lime, and lemon into thin slices and place into pitcher. Fill with 4 quarts of water, and stir. Place sprigs of mint into the pitcher and serve.

Memorial Day Meal: Santa Fe Oven Fajitas with a Pineapple and Red Bell Pepper Salsa and A GIVEAWAY!!!

2012-05-24T07:50:00.000-05:00

Update: The deadline for the giveaway has been extended until June 2, 2012!

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I ummmm. . . . .screwed up.

I met my husband at softball practice at 6:00 pm.
I chatted with my friends, made jokes, and piddled around for 45 minutes while my other kids climbed the bleachers.
I packed up my 5 year old, and drove her to her basketball game 10 minutes early.
I opened the door to the gym and noticed her team on the court all sweaty, with 9 seconds remaining on the clock.

I looked at the coach.
He looked at me.
The buzzer went off.
I apologized profusely for being 1 hour LATE.
I got into the car, drove back to the softball field, and yelled at my husband.

Me: You said the game started at 7pm.

Him: Did I?

Me: Yes, You did.

Him: Well, why didn't you check the calender on your phone?

Me: BECAUSE I CHECKED YOU.

Him: You should have checked the phone.

Me: YOU SHOULD HAVE CHECKED THE PHONE. PLUS. . .Soledad also said the game was at 7.

Him: She's five.

Me: Well you're 37. So what!

I'm so mad at him, I don't know what to do. He won't even take partial blame. Oh well. Upon apologizing profusely to Soledad she said, "Don't worry, it's okay Mommy. At least I got there in time for snack."

Yes, my love. Way to look on the bright side.

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

Lucy. . . . .
I got some splainin' to do.
And some make'in up to do.
Geez Louise, I feel so bad.

Well, here's my attempt at making up for my blatant error.

DINNER.
Super Cool, FUN, INTERACTIVE DINNER.

It's called a Dinnertisement and it's Lawry's Seasonings new Ad Campaign to make dinner fun and interactive for kids.

We made one.
It was really funny.
3 quick steps. . . .and I was done in 2 minutes flat.

Here's the link to my Dinnertisement. . .
http://www.dinnertising.com/Video/Details/1205?cmpid=2012-dinnertising-share-email

And then I made the meal, with my own little twist.
FAJITAS, Fo' shizzle. My nizzle.
And my kiddos gobbled it up:) And promised never to EVER complain when I royally screw up.

They thought it was funny too!

Want your kids to promise to NEVER EVER complain when you screw up royally? Well, then. . . make a Dinnertisement by going to http://www.dinnertising.com/ and then come back and enter my giveaway for. . .

The Grand Prize!!! A Dinnertising Kit which includes . . . . .

Rachael Ray Lasagna Lover Stoneware
2 Zak Designs Serving Spoons: Either happy or surprise spoons
Lawry’s NEW Marinades and Spice Blends: Mediterranean Herb Seasoned Salt, Fire Roasted Chile & Garlic, Roasted Garlic Salt, Santa Fe Chili Marinade and Mediterranean Herb and White Wine Marinade

Here's How To Enter:

Once you've made your Dinnertisement, Leave me a comment with the link to your very own Dinnertisement (so I can see) and describe what recipe you chose. Good luck! (And no need to miss any basketball games for this giveaway. Parental loopyness is totally optional.)

THE RULES

One entry per person, please. My memory can only take so much.

The Lawry's Dinnertising GIVEAWAY will end June 2, 2012 at midnight CST. Winners will be announced on Sunday, June 3, 2012. Entrants limited to US and Canada. They will be chosen randomly using http://www.random.org/

Good Luck!!!
And NOW. . . .for the recipes!!!!!!!

Santa Fe Oven Fajitas with a Pineapple & Bell Pepper Salsa
Don't let the Chile in the title of Lawry's Santa Fe Chili with Lime Fool You. . . .no hot spicy flavor here. It's completely kid friendly and loaded with lots of flavor. Super Easy way to get dinner on the table, quick!

Ingredients:

3/4 cup Lawry's Santa Fe Chili with Lime and Garlic Marinade
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 1/2 pounds flank steak

For the Pineapple and Red Bell Pepper Salsa:

1 cup fresh pineapple, chopped
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 TB red onion, finely chopped
The juice of 1 small lime
Fresh tortillas, for serving

Directions:
1.) Place steak into a large resealable bag or glass dish. Pour marinade over the steak. Add cilantro and toss to coat. Place in refrigerator and allow to marinate for 30 minutes or longer.

2.) While the steak is marinating, make the Pineapple & Red Bell Pepper Salsa. Place all ingredients in a small bowl, and mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

3.) Set oven broiler to high. Remove steak from marinade and place it into a shallow baking dish.

Broil in the oven for 7 minutes. Flip. Broil for 7 minutes longer. Remove from oven, cover loosely with aluminum foil and allow to rest for 10 minutes.

Slice the steak into strips (against the grain) and serve in tortillas with Pineapple & Red Bell Pepper Salsa.

Oven Roasted Garlic Broccoli
This Roasted Garlic Salt was stellar. No need to add any more Garlic. Big flavors. Little Fuss.

Ingredients:

1 pound broccoli, cut into bite size pieces
2 TB Olive Oil
Lawry's Roasted Garlic Salt (about 1/2 tsp)
1/4 cup plain bread crumbs

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2. Place broccoli onto a lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive and sprinkle with Lawry's Garlic salt. Next, sprinkle with bread crumbs. Mix well, and spread out flat onto the baking sheet.

3.Roast in the oven just until the broccoli is tender, about 10 minutes. Serve warm.

Her eyes are bugged out because she's so excited. She says the broccoli tastes like vegetable candy. No joke.

Steps to creating a Dinnertisement:1)      Visit http://www.dinnertising.com/
2)      On the right hand side, click the sign that reads “Create Your Own Dinnertisement Now”
3)      Click on the sign that reads “Choose a Recipe & Get Started!”
4)      Click on the dishes to see a variety of recipes
5)      Select the recipe you like best and then click the arrow that reads “Next Step”
6)      Select the theme you like best and then click the arrow that reads “Next Step”
7)      Upload your photo by clicking the sign that reads “Click to upload”
8)      Enter your family name and click enter
9)      Read the consent and click the arrow that reads “Yes, I Do Agree”
10)   Watch the video and at the end of the Dinnertisement, click on the envelope to email the link to yourself.
11)   Copy and paste the link to your Dinnertisement in the comments section to be entered to win the Rachael Ray Stoneware giveaway!

*Disclosure: I was invited to participate in this Lawry’s campaign through my association with The Motherhood. I received a Lawry’s Marinades and seasonings and was compensated for my time and work. All opinions are mine, as they always are, and always will be. J

Tortilla Pizza and My Birthday Highlights

2012-05-23T09:55:00.000-05:00

I waited in line at the DMV for 45 minutes to renew my drivers license. I was by myself. I chewed a piece of gum and didn't share. .. .and. . .I read a book. It was nice.

While I was at the DMV, Lucky peed on the floor and rolled in it. Warwick said he didn't smell, but he did. So I gave him a bath and he stood moderately still.

We ate SUSHI for lunch!!!! Nobody ever wants to eat Sushi with me, but on my birthday. . .not one single complaint:)

We early voted. I love pretending that I'm republican just to get the pamphlets.

Warwick rented me "The Descendants" for my birthday evening. I fell asleep towards the end.

15 minutes free time. I ran outside and watered my garden.

Dinner at one of my fave sandwich shops, Potbelly. Even though my 11 year old hates sandwiches, she only complained a little.

I'm still basking in the glow of my birthday last week.

It was a beautiful day.

I did EVERYTHING I wanted to do. And the things that didn't fit into the schedule, got put on a list to DO SOON.

It wasn't a particularly different day than normal, but it was splendid. Just splendid.
And I'm wondering if it was that way because I was determined to make it great. Which begs the question, can everyday be my birthday? I mean, can everyday be LIKE my birthday? Do I only have to wake up and decide that TODAY is going to be a great day, and it will?

I hope so.
I'm going to try it out tomorrow.
Wish me luck.

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

I think I may be on to something.
Living the laid back, easy going, life. Always believing its gonna be A-OKAY.

Bellies will always be full.
Children will never complain.
Only minimal effort will be made.

It's all about the positivity.

And just as soon as I thought those thoughts, I realized it was 3:25 pm and my kids would be home in 20 minutes famished.

And then a new thought came to my mind.
Tortilla Pizza.
This glass half full perspective seems to really be working out well.

Tortilla Pizza
These take 2 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to bake. Such a lovely filling snack or mealr that will have you praising the laid back, easy going life.

Ingredients:

5 Whole Wheat Tortillas (or your fave)
8 oz. Tomato Sauce
Grated Low fat Mozzarella Cheese
Turkey Pepperoni slices (or your favorite toppings)

Directions:

1.) Preheat oven to 425.
2.) Place tortillas onto silpat lined baking sheet.

Spoon about 3 TB of Tomato Sauce onto each tortilla.

Sprinkle with cheese.

Top with pepperoni.

3.) Bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown. Slice and serve warm.

Mango and Blueberry Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Bacon & What To Expect When Your Expecting: A Movie Review!

2012-05-18T06:41:00.001-05:00

Well, I can tell you what I wasn't expecting.
To like this movie, that's what.

What is that saying? Too many chickens in the coop. All trying to rule the roost. . . .Or be bossy. . .Or steal the limelight. . . ..I'm not sure, but you know what I mean.

Too many mega stars. . .in one location, can make me a little nervous. . .

Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Chris Rock, Dennis Quaid, and Matthew Morrison. . . . . . . .I can happily report, ALL played nice. Stellar in fact. They done good. They were VERY Funny, charming, witty, and inappropriate in all the right ways.

The basic premise of the movie was inspired by the book of the same name, where 5 couples whose lives intersect (although barely) all find themselves in the same predicament. . . . .they are expecting a baby.

Couple #1
Played by Jennifer Lopez and Rodgrigo Santoro.
She's a photographer who loses her job, and he's a dad to be whose scared out of his whits.

He joins a Daddy's group, led by Chris Rock, to try and figure parenthood out. They totally keep it real.

Together they are cute, a little nutty, and scared. They are getting ready to adopt a baby from Ethiopia.

Couple #2
Played by Anna Kendrick and Chase Crawford
She owns a Food Service Truck that sells cheesy sandwiches. He owns a Food Service Truck that sells pork sandwiches. They dated in high school, and reconnect again AND GUESS WHAT. She gets preggars. Only the ending is not what you think. . . .

Couple #3
Played by Elizabeth Banks and Bill Falcone
She is a budding businesswoman with a Baby Store and a New book. He is a cute and lovable Dentist. They've been trying to have a baby for 2 years with no luck. And what do you know, when they stop trying and let loose, SHE GETS PREGNANT. And it's not what she expected. . .tooting all the time, fat feet, and hormones, all throw this chic for a loop.

Couple #4
Played by Brooklyn Decker and Dennis Quaid.
Theirs is a May December Romance. She's a trophy wife, and he's an old RICH Alpha-Dad. They are pregnant with twins and completely hilarious.

Couple #5
Played by Cameron Diaz and Matthew Morrison
She's a reality show fitness instructor, and quite the bossy pants. He's a reality show dance instructor, who is as sweet and charming as can be. The hook up on their version of Dancing With The Stars, and major life changes ensue.

The movie was very cute, unpredictable, and at times had me laughing out loud with belly pains.
It won't solve world peace, but it'll make you laugh.

Definitely worth the cost of going to the movies. Don't wait for this one to come out on DVD. See it now.

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AND NOW. . . . .
for dinner.
or lunch.
or breakfast for that matter.

In the movie, the Food Truck Couple are rivals, competing for business. Rosie (Anna Kendrick) tries stealing business away from Marco (Chace Crawford) by combining her cheesy sandwiches with fruit and bacon.

Bacon.

And more bacon.
I gotta tell you, that's a win, win in my book.
I made this sandwich which serves 8, and gave it to my four little girls. They ate every morsel, leaving nothing left over.

Mixing grilled cheese with sweet mango and blueberries and topping it off with bacon is genius.
Genius, I say.

Mango and Blueberry Grilled Cheese Sandwich with BACON

Ingredients:

Ciabatta Loaf
Butter, softened
Blueberry Preserves
Mango, sliced thinly
Havarti Cheese Slices (or your favorite cheese)
Bacon, cooked

Directions:

1. Cut the Ciabatta Loaf in half, and then again lengthwise. (This will allow you to fit it into the pan).

2. Butter the tops and the bottoms of the outer sides of the bread loaf.

3. Spread blueberry preserves on the inside of the loaf.

Then, on the bottom half, layer mango slices, Havarti cheese slices, and bacon.

Place top back on, and place in your skillet. Press down. Cover with a sheet of aluminum foil and another heavy skillet. Press down again.

Cook on medium high heat for 2 minutes and flip over. Repeat for another two minutes. Slice, and serve warm.

How I Do Hamburger Helper

2012-05-16T15:44:00.000-05:00

Today is last day that I will be 36.
And I've got to tell you, I'm feeling pretty fancy in my pants.

I've made a few revelations within the past few days, and I'm thinking this whole growing up thing is really rather a good idea.

1.) I am beneath no one.

I am just as wonderful and horrible as the next guy, and this has been a bit of an epiphany for me. To me it means, no more excuses, no need to explain myself. This girl, this woman who stands here, typing on her laptop is OKAY. Better than okay, FANTASTIC. And so are you. And oddly enough, so is that horrible guy.

2.) I have the right to say NO. And mean it. Which means I have the right NOT to want to spend Mother's Day doing anything but what I want to do. AND, if I should decide not to say NO, and spend my Mother's Day with my husbands mother in a miserable restaurant, waiting for my food for 1 1/2 hours with 2 children on my lap, and a bug in my lemonade, with a mother in law who is clearly not pleased with me just because i love that fellow that sleeps in my bed a RIDICULOUS AMOUNT, then, I reserve the right the to complain about it from now until FOREVER.

3.) It's okay that I took vows that said, "To love, honor, and obey" even though I was on an altar, and in a church, IN FRONT OF GOD, and I really had no intention of the obey part. Because I was thinking it was just a formality, and nobody really expects me to do what he says, right?

I mean, those powers THAT BE, surely must have understood that when I had children and they got mad at me, and threatened to tell Daddy on me, that I would laugh and smirk and rouse with a deep chortle, "Go right ahead, YOUR FATHER IS NOT THE BOSS OF ME."

4.) I do not have to bake a birthday cake for every single birthday of every single person in this house because store bought ice cream cakes with Oreo cookies and ice cream are happy magnets.

This is what I think the 30's are all about.
Learning about myself.
Becoming more comfortable in my skin.
That's what I'm trying to do.
I'm just trying to remember.. . .
I'm good.
I'm great.
Just as I am.

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I mean it.
I'm good.
Just like this.
I'm not going to make any excuses.

I like a really decadent homemade chocolate cake.
And I like the ones from the box too.
I like homemade pickles.
And I like sour ones that have been sitting on the grocery store shelf for who knows how long.

And. . ..
I make Hamburger helper.
Yes, I admit.
I am not above it. Nor am I beneath it.
It is what is . . . .people.

I do change it up a little.
Add a bit of this, to a bit of that.
Change out the white rice to brown, or the pasta to whole wheat.
But, in the end it's still Hamburger Helper.
And I ain't above it.

HOW I DO HAMBURGER HELPER
This is generally what I do for every and any kind of hamburger/tuna helper. Usually I add 1 1/12 - 2 cups of complementary vegetable, add 3 times the amount of the starch to lower the sodium balance, and change the starch (ie. pasta or rice) to the healthier brown rice or whole wheat pasta. If it's a Tuna helper, I use Tuna marinated in olive oil, and if it calls for ground beef, I use the 93/7 version because any leaner than that is too dry for my taste buds:) Oh! And I ALWAYS add grated cheese at the end. No matter what.

Grab a box of Hamburger Helper. Any type will do.

Chop up some fresh veg. I added peppers from my garden!!! Remove the ribs and seeds if you don't like it spicy.

And always, always add a large onion, diced. No matter what the box says, no matter what the weather, ADD A ONION! You won't regret it!

Add the veg to a skillet on medium high heat. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until translucent.

Add the meat! Season it with salt and pepper. Cook until brown, and DON'T drain if using a lower fat meat!

Now do what the box says. Add the box seasonings, but nix the rice or the pasta. Instead add YOUR brown rice (2 -3 times more than what came in the box) or whole wheat pasta, and plenty of liquid. It doesn't have to be precise, usually I add twice the amount and then watch it. If it starts to cook out or stick, add more liquid. (* FYI - Cooking times will increase with brown rice and whole wheat pasta.)

When it's finally done. . . . .

Add some fresh tomatoes, or peas, or cilantro, or parsley. Something to lift and liven it up a bit!

Mix it in, and then. . . . .add some lovely, lovely cheese. And if you're really crazy, crush up some tortilla chips and throw those on top.

And hand it to your family, and they'll EAT. IT. UP.

My Laundry Room. . . .Redone!

2012-05-11T10:28:00.000-05:00

Wanna see somethin'?

I mean it's not real fancy, or real flashy, but its mine, and I like it.

Before, uuggghhh. Before, it was a horror. A horror I say. I didn't even want to step foot into that place.

So, I decided to clean that sucker out.
This is what it looked like before I cleaned it out. . . . . .

And this is what it looked like after I cleaned it out. Better, I think.

Then, I got out the paint, the same color I used in the girl's bathroom , and I painted with the same kid that helped me paint that other room.

Oh. So pretty. So fresh and so clean. Sooooooooooo clean.

Hopefully it'll stay this way, with all that crap I have to put back into it.

So I'm gonna try and organize and compartmentalize.

Hide all the cleaning nonsense in baskets!

And get that laundry basket that I keep tripping on OFF the FLOOR!!!!!

And add a bit of pretty, like ceramic switch plates (purchased for Hobby Lobby).

I also added a floor laundry basket that matches the shelf baskets (all purchased from my neighborhood Wal-Mart). So maybe. . . . .just maybe. . . . . my kids might put their soiled socks and softball uniforms into the basket for washing, rather than onto the floor for smelling up my nostrils:(

This door leads to the garage. It's the door that the family enters through on most occasions. This is the spot where cleats get dropped, shin guards get lost, and flip flops get flipped and flopped. The over the door shoe hanger helps keep things organized. . . .

And for the purtay, I bought a new floor mat. . . .to dress things up a bit.

And for the functional crazy lady in my life who is going to poke her eyes out with her car keys if she has to step over ONE MORE GYM BAG or loses her PURSE ONE MORE TIME. . . . . .

The always handy and neat Wall Peg Holder thing.
Love THIS!

There is also a white erase board with calender and a battery organizer to help keep things in order and on time. . . . .

And a perfect little space right next to my dryer to keep my steam cleaners and vacuum!

And that's it! My LAUNDRY ROOM!!!! My sweet accomplishment this week!

This month in Sports. . . .And Quick Cook Vegetarian Fried Noodles

2012-05-09T10:31:00.000-05:00

She caught her!!!!!!

This month it's been sports, sports, sports, sports, sports. The end of some sports, the continuation of others, and the beginning of more. It has had us in a bit of a tizzy, with not much time to rest between outings. But deep down in my gut I know all the flurry is worth the trouble.

This is the only time in their lives where they can play until their hearts are content. And if they do it now, when they're my age they'll want to move and jump and run. And they'll be happier, and healthier, and I'll get to worry less. . .I hope.

So here's to bloody, blistered monkey bar hands.

And girls who love to play football.

To scholarly 5th graders who love the sport of Volleyball, so much that they'll fling their bodies through the sand even though their intellect tells them it might not be a good idea.

And to little itty bitty knees that knock together as they climb the slide, in anticipation of the thrill of the whoosh! and the wind!

Long live play.
Long live fun.
Long live the game of sports.

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

It's crazy how the things you know you should be doing in life can sometimes make you. . . .noodley.

Like wobbly brain - fried crazy noodleness.

I know my kids should be out playing after school. They should be in sports and having fun. But when I think about getting #1 here, #2 there, and #3 way over there, and then dinner, home, baths, homework. . . .you guessed it . . . . . .brain noodleness.

But it always works out.
WE ALWAYS GET THERE ON TIME. Or close to it.
The kids are doing what they want to do. What they need to do.

So I'll guess we'll continue, and hopefully my brains turn out to be as good as these Healthy Fried Noodles :)

Quick Cook Vegetarian Fried Noodles
You can make this faster than it will take you to get in the car and go buy take-out. I Promise!!! This makes quite a bit of noodles, but I doubt there will be any left over. It's a definite favorite around my house.

Ingredients

3 - 6oz. Packages of Chow Mein Stir Fry Noodles
2 TB canola oil, plus more for drizzling
1 large Onion, diced (or 4 mini ones as pictured)
1 1/2 cups carrots, cut into strips
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
8 eggs, scrambled
Low Sodium Soy Sauce, to taste
Fish Sauce, to taste *

(Fish Sauce contains anchovies, so. . .if you add this the meal will no longer be vegetarian. Thanks Yvonne, my super lovely Vegetarian Friend who pointed this out my part time vegetarian self:)

1.) In a large pot or skillet heat 1 TB of oil on medium high heat. Add onion and carrots and cook for 5-8 minutes until soft and onions are translucent. At 5 minute mark, add the peas and cook for a few minutes longer. Remove vegetables from the skillet and set aside.

2.) Cook noodles according to package directions. (They usually cook in about 3 minutes!) Drain, drizzle with oil to help keep the noodles loose and set aside.

2.) Add remaining oil to the skillet, and heat to medium heat. Add raw scrambled eggs and cook through.

Add vegetables back to the skillet, and mix well. Quickly add the noodles and toss with the vegetables and eggs, making sure to stir and toss constantly so that the noodles don't stick. Remove from heat, and season with Soy Sauce and Fish Sauce with a 1:2 ratio, respectively.

Serve! Tastes great hot, warm, or at room temp.

Something I found on Pintrest. . . .A DIY Watering Can made from a Milk Jug!

2012-04-23T12:14:00.000-05:00

[ It's the last day to enter the HEB $25 Gift Card Giveaway!]

Is it weird that I'm 36 and I'm making a Birthday Wish List?
Don't tell me.
I don't want to know.

I just figure since my birthday and Mother's Day are coming up, that maybe somebody might want to give me something I ACTUALLY WANT.
And the items might be a little pricey.
So they might want to save up. A little.

This is what I have so far.

1.Garage Shelves.
2. XL Canvas (4) to re-create this pottery barn picture.

3. Wall Paint (in a fun-ish color) for the wall the runs along the stairs.
4. A NEW CAMERA (mine is broken, I've been borrowing my 11 year olds)
5. Bike
6.Spin Shoes
7. Cleaning Lady
8. Clothes
9. Tennis Shoes
10. Dress Shoes
10.5 Cleaning Lady
11. Sandals
12. Ipad
13. A hook to put on my key chain so that I can attach them to the side of my purse so I don't end up taking 16 minutes to fish them out in a rain storm.
13.5 Cleaning Lady

I was going to ask for an extension to my garden but I got that already. We put it in last week, I think. I mean I know we put it in. I'm just not sure when we did it. My days are all running together.

I could ask for more flowers and vegetable plants, which I really do want, but I already feel like Garage Shelves, Art Canvas, Wall Paint, And a Camera are all sort of communal presents. So, I think I'll just go to the garden nursery and get what I want and call it a day.

Which brings me to another point. . . . . .
Why I'm I so loathsome of the idea of ACTUALLY spending money on myself, that I must wait for the one time a year that I get presents and pray to high heaven that one of these crazy fools that live in my house actually reads my blog to know WHAT I WANT.

That's craziness.

A garden is lovely.
But, it does not a present make.
Because this is what it looks like at the end of winter, and it ain't no picnic, if you know what I mean.

Although, it is kind of like a present to go outside and breath the fresh air.
And dig, and get really dirty. And see dirt under my nails.

Oh. It's definitely a present when you discover a pepper plant that has been hiding under all the brush.

And let's not forget the basil. That is definitely a present that the Basil has reseeded itself and saved me the trouble of buying all new plants. Look. So cute and yummy. All I had to do was dig them up and tuck them all into a little corner all snugly like.

That really was sweet for them to come back again.

And such a present that it has been raining steadily here in Houston. I've barely had to water the plants at all.

Oh. Yeah. And this little guy. My very own Garden Pooper Keeper. He stays by side, poops in my yard and keeps all those naughty, naughty cats away.

I guess my garden is my gift.

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

I love Pintrest, almost as much as I love my garden.

And I found this brilliant idea by way of said wonderful site. The idea comes from a really great blog, A Journey to a Dream. Check it out if you want the step by step. Her pics are better. I just did this rush, rush, at 4:30 am one morning. Hence, the darkness ; )

What you Need:

Milk Jug
Pin (I used a safety pin. You could use a needle)
Lighter

What To Do:

1. Heat the end of you pin with the lighter for a few seconds.

2. Using the heated pin, poke holes into the top of your milk jug cap.

3. Pop the lid back onto the jug! And pour, pour, pour away!

Honey -Lemon Watermelon Salad & A $25 H-E-B Gift Card Giveaway!!!

2012-04-17T06:06:00.000-05:00

Finally. I'm starting to work on my garden. In my garden. Around my garden.
But. . . .
Geez Louise. I'm late.

Last year, all my plants were in the ground by April 4th.
Oh. Woe is me.
But then I looked again, and in 2010, I didn't get around to it until April 16th. Guess what today is? Yeah buddy. April 17th. I'm right on time for being behind.

What a relief.

It was stressing me out a bit. I kept telling myself, gardening is a hobby. Don't stress crazy cakes. Just plant and be happy. It's as simple as that.

So I did.
I planted hanging baskets.

I always love the planting.
But what I really dig (ha!) is the crazy creatures that pop up here and there.

Look what I found in a flower pot saucer that had some gross slimy water in it.

He won't even look at me.

I think he's kinda pissed. Sorry man.

And then I found this joker.
Who looks and moves like a snake only he has legs. And quite frankly, I don't care if HE is pissed. Because he creeps me the mess out. Ick.

So after I gauged my eyes out with my hand shovel after witnessing that horrible yet fascinating lizard, I actually finished hanging the baskets.

Look.
So pretty.
Totally worth the 3 hours it took me to hang them.
Not sure why it took so long.
But, I'm trying not to think about it.
Just trying to keep it simple.
Just trying to breathe.
Just trying to stay. in. the. moment.

Because tomorrow, I'll be tackling this. Hopefully.

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

Lately, my life has been a bit hectic. Lots of softball, volleyball, field trips, and field days, church and all sorts of nuts that has got me wondering who I am.

Because I forget.
You think I'm kidding, but I'm not. I really do forget.
So I have to plant.
I have to dig a little, and pull and prod and get my nails dirty. It helps me remember who I am.

And then, when I start to remember, it always makes me want to eat.
Not surprisingly.
But special foods. Vibrant foods. Food that beckon, and call to me and promise me life, and nurture, and realness.
Foods prepared from the earth.
Simple flavors. Fresh flavors.

It reminds me that soon my face will be golden from the sun and my hair frizzy from the humidity.
And I won't care.
Because my kids will smell like suntan lotion and they'll giggle even more than they do now.

Oh my sweet lovely spring time, that whispers of summer to come.
Send your rain,
Your droplets of gold,
Let your sunshine shape and mold,
Nurture my plants as you do my soul.
Oh springtime.
Grow. Grow. Grow.

You didn't know I was a poet did you?
Yeah well, I am. Blam.
Want to know what else I am?
A giver.
Does that make you shiver?
It should, cuz man I deliver.

Okay, I'm totally going to stop now.

Because I want to tell you something that is a little hard to put in rhyme:

I'm giving away a $25 gift card in honor of H-E-B's Ready, Set, Cook! Challenge.

H-E-B wants YOU, to stop, and be in the moment. To remember who YOU are. They want you to Cook! And they've got a host of some great healthy and simple recipes that YOU can cook at home, while giving YOU a chance to win A YEAR'S WORTH OF FREE GROCERIES!!!! (among other great prizes :) Their promotion runs from 3/12-4/27. So go check it out, and get cooking.

But first. . . . .

I want YOU . . . . .

TO ENTER My $25 H-E-B Gift card Giveaway:

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

"What did you do or cook this week that helped you remember how wonderful you are?”

THE RULES

One entry per person, please. Though I'm sure you did so many wonderful things this week it will be hard to narrow them down.

The $25 H-E-B Gift card Giveaway will end April 23rd, 2012 at midnight CST. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, April 24th, 2012. Entrants limited to US. They will be chosen randomly using http://www.random.org/

Good Luck!

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

And the WINNER IS. . . . . . .

Clare & Gary

I made Roast Chicken dinner.. and it was delicious

Clare and Gary! Contact me in the next 48 hours at nickiwoo.thehomeguru@gmail.com to get your prize!!!!

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

And now. . . .THE FOOD!

Honey-Lemon Watermelon Salad (with a little mint thrown in)
This recipe was created and posted as part of the HEB Ready! Set! Cook! Challenge! kickoff.

Ingredients:
8 cups of cold watermelon (cut up into 1 inch cubes)
1/3 cup Mango Pineapple Juice ( also try OJ, Plain Pineapple Juice, or you favorite juice)
1/3 cup Lemon Juice
1/4 cup Honey
2 Tablespoons of fresh Mint (chopped), optional
Kosher Salt, to taste

Directions:
1. In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the Mango Pineapple Juice, Lemon Juice, and honey. Set aside.

2. Into a large bowl, place cubed watermelon. Pour juice mixture on top. Add fresh mint. Mix well. Sprinkle with salt, to taste. Serve cold.

Blogging with Integrity: H-E-B provided me with a gift card to purchase ingredients for a healthy and simple recipe to share as a part of their Ready, Set, Cook! Challenge.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
'
And the WINNER IS. . . . . . .

Clare & Gary

I made Roast Chicken dinner.. and it was delicious

Clare and Gary! Contact me in the next 48 hours at nickiwoo.thehomeguru@gmail.com to get your prize!!!!

Easter 2012

2012-04-10T12:38:00.000-05:00

Can somebody please tell me why my eldest refuses to smile? I mean really smile . . . . like she is the happiest person in the world because the Easter Bunny just hopped on by and brought her goo gobs of stuff.
Well stuff like cool erasers and pens.
And stuff like awesome candy that Mom and Dad would never buy.
And stuff like fun games to play when she's bored.

Not stuff like her friend Rache got.
Not stuff like Vera Bradley backpacks.
No stuff like Tom's over priced ugly shoes that she would have loved.

Just ordinary stuff.
Like normal people get on Easter.

Instead, I get this pathetic excuse for a smile.
She looks like she's having stomach pains.
Mild nausea.
Maybe shin splints.

Bella, Soledad and Phoebe couldn't be more pleased.
The loved their abundance of nonsense and candy that they received.

Shelbi did crack a smile.
Later.
At her grandparents when the Easter Egg hunt was in full effect.
Running and frantically searching for the GOLDEN EGG.

Phoebe's approach to the hunt was much less frantic. More in the spirit of "take your time" and see how it goes.

Look. My Bella will smile for me, if she knows I'm looking.

And Soledad, that crazy nut, will even strike a pose.

But not Shelbi.

NO! NO! NO! Her eyes scream.

I hate this.

I hate pictures.

Why are you ruining my life?

But yet, we still take pictures of her. Because . . . . .to be quite frank. . . . .

WE DON'T CARE.

And we need proof that we didn't ruin her life.

And so . . .my love. Light of my life.

I will forever take your picture, even if you are way grumpy about it. Even if you glare at me and wish my camera would blow up in flames.

No my sweets.

I will march on.

Because one day, you will want to look back on your childhood and see how much fun you had when you didn't even know it.

Texas Wild. . . .Flowers!!!

2012-04-01T09:38:00.000-05:00

Things that made me smile this week. . . . .

and. . . .my own special breed of wild flowers :)

The past few weeks have been a bit frazzled. Lots and lots of softball. Volleyball. Getting ready for Bella's First Communion. Easter. School. Work. Field Trips. Potty Training. Dog urination. More dog urination.

Also, the weather is turning so beautiful. Sunny days with highs in the mid 80s. Torrential downpours and gray cloudiness and soggy, soggy grass. Honestly, its my favorite time of the year. Well, if you don't count Summer, Fall, and Winter :)

Even though my allergies are KILLING me, its no matter because I get to see the beauty of spring all around. Texas is great place to be all the time, but especially in the spring. So no complaints from me. At least not today.

Northern Lights by Cider Sky & And Liver Pate on Rye with Provolone and Pickles

2012-03-25T01:22:00.000-05:00

Every time
I close my eyes
i can touch the colors around me.

suddenly i realize
everything i thought was impossible
is here.

my heart sings in world so incredible.
and everything burns much brighter
. . . . .. .
i wanna fly into this beautiful life
i think it'd be nice with you.

i
wanna fly
into this beautiful life
i think it'd be nice
with you.
with you. oooo. oooooh.

That must be how he thinks.
HE. HIM.

I really think that HE THINKS this life is BEAUTIFUL ALL THE TIME.
He's always doing well. Swell even.
It's a little suspicious, I'd say.

I ask him, "Why aren't you upset? Money doesn't seem to bother you. Why don't you care about this? Why don't you care about that? Why are you so dog gone peaceful all the time???? It's a little unnerving."

He looks at me, and then comes and sits at my feet at the base of the leather recliner. "Come here." He says. "Come sit on my lap." I shake my head 'no' in defiance. I don't want to be consoled. I'm mad. Or ummm. .unbalanced. I don't know, I just don't want to feel better. Or do I? I don't really know.
So I just slouch down, and plop down onto his lap.

He looks at me, and tilts his head and you can tell he's searching. He wants to know why I am so upset about nothing and everything. So I say, "I just don't get why you don't care, that life is so hard. That our LIFE is hard and its gonna be this way for the REST OF OUR LIVES. HARD. It's like you don't even care. Or like you aren't even living this life. Like its not hard at all."

"Well, I'm not sad like you are, but I do care. I care because you care and its hard for you."

And then I just want to slap him and kiss him and hug him all at the same time. Because he lives this joint life with me, and all the same things that bother me and drive me BONKERS just roll off his back and he is all this is a great life! My heart sings in a world so incredible. And everything burns much brighter. I wanna fly into this beautiful life with you. (metaphorically speaking)

And I'm all, "that's great, but can you please just clean up the urine off the carpet first. And when your flying around in this beautiful life please don't touch the walls I just scrubbed them yesterday."

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

Maybe that's why God sent Warwick to me.
While I'm on this great hunt for peace and meaning, he's showing me that it's sitting right here in front of me.

Yeah.
Probably.
Right inside. Hope I locate it soon.

Sometimes I find that peace.
In the giggles of my kiddos. Or the smell of a lovely candle.
Or in a song.
I like this one.
It's Northern Lights by Cider Sky.
It's on the Breaking Dawn Part I soundtrack.

Such a simple melody.
Simple words. Be-A-utiful.

I think most things that are wonderful are simple to the core.
That's why they bring so much bliss.
They are only what they are, and that's it.

Like this sam-mich.

It's super duper simple. And it's really, really, yummy.
If you like liver.
Which I do.
It makes me set the night on fire.
Hang out with the stars and the big blue.
I think this sandwich would be nice with you.
With you. oooo-oooh.

Healthy Liver Pate on Rye Bread with Provolone and Pickles
I made this early in the morning while I was cooking the girls breakfast before they went to school. Warwick came into the kitchen, and inhaled deeply. "Oooh. Smells good. What's cooking?" "Liver!" I pronounce. "Oh." He's suddenly not so excited. He's not crazy about liver. "For dinner then?" And I just smile and say, "Nope, noodles for dinner, this is for my lunch." He just smiles, leans down and kisses me on the cheek, and then off to work he goes. See . . . . peaceful. So darn peaceful. He was going to eat it for dinner no complaints. Craziness.

Ingredients:

1.25 pounds of raw chicken liver
1 small onion
4 TB Smart Balance (or butter or olive oil), melted
1/2 cup red wine
1/2 tsp Thyme
1/2 tsp Rosemary
Salt and Pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 400. In a casserole dish, lay butter onion, and liver. Mix well.

2. Pour wine on top. Sprinkle with thyme and rosemary. Bake for 30 minutes or until liver is a roasted brown and thoroughly cooked. (I almost ate it just like this straight from the oven. It would be lovely over rice, as is.)

3. Place solids into a blender or food processor. Pulse a few times into the meat is broken down. Slowly add the liquid from the casserole dish into the blender and blend until it reached the desired thickness and consistency. (I used all the liquid). Season with salt and pepper and refrigerate for 2 hours.

4. Spread pate evenly on one slice of bread. Layer with cheese and pickles. Serve:)

Not into liver? That's okay. Maybe Mama Lett's German Chocolate Cake is more up your alley. Or Grapefruit Ginger Carrot Juice (made in a blender)!

Movie Review: The Hunger Games

2012-03-23T08:01:00.000-05:00

All photo credits: Murray Close

Let me first say this.

I've read the book, The Hunger Games. And I know this story back and forth. I loved the book, and VERY nervously anticipated the movie. Because nothing is worse than watching a story that you loved, one that took you days to read, being slowly destroyed in a matter of hours.

Now.
With that being said. . . .

The Hunger Games film adaption was a surprisingly on target, bone chilling tale that had my stomach in. my. toes. within the first 15 minutes of the movie.

The movie starts out by introducing the audience to the nation of Panem, the ruinous land of North America which is now divided into 12 districts. The camera pans the desolate landscape in dizzying array as its poor citizens are displayed and gathered in lots as they await to find out if their fate will land them in the Hunger Games, a twisted televised reality TV punishment, which sends one teenage boy and girl from each district to fight for their life as a "Tribute" in a massive outdoor arena until only one survivor remains.

This is no Twilight.

We meet Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence), in the beginning as she tenderly sings her little sister, Prim, a lullaby. Within minutes, her softened inner core is transformed into an armor-like exterior as she suits up and leaves to illegally hunt for food to feed her family.

Before the audience has a chance to get to know the characters, we find out all we really need to know.

Katniss is strong.
Katniss is brave.

And it becomes strikingly obvious that when Katniss cries, "I VOLUNTEER!!!" with tears and pleading in her voice, begging to take the place of her younger sister in the Hunger Games, that Katniss . . . . .is about to kick some serious Tribute booty.

But, not without hardship.
Not without making impossible choices between humanity and life.
And not without downright good old fashioned cinema magic.

Though the film, failed to touch on certain aspects that were central to the book, such as the 3-fingered salute and the importance of the Mockingjay, it was true to the story and did a superb job in casting its cast of characters.
Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy, a former Hunger Games victor, is spot on as he embraces his role as Katniss' drunken mentor.

Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth) has only a secondary role in this film, but, iti s as if he was plucked directly from the pages of the book and placed on screen.

And Peeta Melark (Josh Hutcherson) at first had me wondering if he would fit the bill as he entered onto the screen with his slicked down hair and timid looks, but as the movie develops the strength of his character pulls the audience in, and you're loving him just as much as Katniss.

All in all, the movie was fantastic.
But, it was much more difficult to watch on screen than it was to read.
The violence was undeniable, though much of it was blurred, inferred, though not downright gruesome.
Make no mistake, this movie is about death, and life, and impossible choices. But most importantly, how love can bridge them both.

Juicing In a Blender: Grapefruit Ginger Carrot Juice!!!!!!!

2012-03-21T00:50:00.000-05:00

A few days ago somebody lied to me.
OK, I think. Let's move on.

But then, they lied to me the next day.
Yet and still, Lord help me, I want to move on.

But today, they lied again. And I think, this person is a liar. And they aren't going to stop.
And I really don't like liars, so much.
I feel like they are in denial.
Or like maybe they are trying to hide something.
Something dark.
Something bad.

So anyway, all of that nonsense has put me in a rotten mood.
Slouchy shoulders. Period hormonalness. The whole bit.

And it didn't help that I went to go let out some steam at the gym, and 15 minutes into my workout the childcare worker came to tell me that Phoebe made a poopy.

And I didn't have any diapers.
So I had to go home.
No work out for me today.

So now I'm in the car, and I'm thinking about liars and poop and yoga and boot camp, and a voice whispers to me.
Boy, you sure are lucky.
Huh. I think. Whose that talking?
What a great life you have.
Is that me? Did I just say that?
Listening to music in your car, while driving your sweet child around. Getting to work up at the school today . . .you have such a great life. You're great.
Okay. . . . .My life is not great. I've missed over half my workout and this joker keeps lying to me. And I'm in a rotten mood, and I think my life might suck right now.
It doesn't. It never sucks. You were able to go to Yoga, right? And remember the scent in the room. Orange Ginger? And now you can go to the mall and buy that scent because it was shared with you today. And you feel better because you relaxed a little. And now you want to nourish your body, and go to the grocers and buy fruits and vegetables and maybe a Zen Tea from Starbucks. You should do that. You deserve it.
Okay. Maybe I will.
Good. You should. And don't be mad at that liar. The lying has nothing to do with you. You need to let it go. Just love them. Love everyone and everything. That is all you need to know. It will work out.

And so, on my really crappy day, that is what I did.
I bought the Aromatherapy Orange Ginger Body Mist because the scent reminds me of my happiness.
I drank that Zen tea, and it relaxed me.
I went to the grocery and bought only fruits, veg, and fish (and a few treats for the girls), and I tried to remember that life is good. That the peace that I look for lives in me.

- - - - - - - - - - -

Now I don't think THINGS are what you need to find peace.
But I do think THINGS are around for a reason and that they help you remember the peace inside you.

Pretty things.
Smell Good things.
Soft cuddly things.
All God's tools to remind us of what is real. What is true.

Like that the combination of Orange and Ginger.
Or Grapefruit and Ginger because that is what I had in my fridge.

Wowza.
AH-MAY-ZING.
It makes you feel so good.
And I wanna feel good.
And be good.
And do good.

So here's my pick on what could make me and you feel awesome TODAY.

Grapefruit Ginger Carrot Juice

Don't have a juicer? Neither do I. I want one. I was this close to getting one, but I kept forgetting to ask my mother for hers (that she doesn't use) while we were on vacation in Dallas, and so, NO JUICER FOR ME. But. . .that's okay. Because. . . I have a blender. And I and YOU and WE . . . .CAN JUICE IN A BLENDER. Easy Peasy.

I juiced in my New Ninja Blender. The instructions and the website rave about its juicing capabilities, but ummm. . . .it never told me how. Like how do you juice? I wasn't born with that information. So. . .I didn't juice, I just dreamt about it. Until. . . .I stumbled across Angela from Test Kitchen Tuesday, and she showed me how.

Now, I can juice and juice and juice. And juice some more.

Makes one very tall glass. About 16 oz.

Ingredients:

3 Large Grapefruit, peeled

2 cups carrots

Ginger (I don't like a lot of ginger so I only used a piece that was a large as my thumb nail)

1/2 cup water

Directions:

1. To your blender add the carrots, grapefruit, ginger, and water.

2. Blend, blend, blend on high speed for about one minute. If the mixture seems to thick, add more water until it reaches the consistency that you find perfect.

Strain through a fine sieve.

Pour into a glass and Serve!

Mama Lett's German Chocolate Cake

2012-03-14T09:18:00.000-05:00

Currently, I'm going through a bit of a metamorphosis.

Which is actually quite apropos, since it's Spring Break around these parts.

I'm looking around my house and thinking I need to shed this old skin.
I need to start making my house look like what it looks like in my head.

I need to clean out my laundry room and paint, paint, paint!
Maybe something blue like I saw on Pintrest.
I'm thinking these wicker baskets should line the shelves to hide all the ugly cleaning supplies and mosquito repellent.

And then, I want to make it pretty, and maybe add a fancy door knob, and a cute little sign that says, "Laundry Room - drop your drawers here" or "Laundry Room - the floor is not a hamper". Hehehe.

I want to make my house a livable magazine picture.
I want this so badly I can't see straight.

So. . . . .
I'm moving in baby steps.
First, clean out the laundry room.
It's a veritable jungle in there.

Now, I have to make another move.
I'm thinking my next step will be paint.
I'm probably going to paint it a Rainy Day Blue. The same color as Bella and Soledad's bathroom.

Beyond that, I will probably have to spend some money.
Which makes me hyperventilate.
I don't really like to spend money, but it must be done for the sake of clean clothes everywhere.
I'm not going to think about it right now.
Well, maybe if I just map it out, and whisper it gently into my husbands ear, it won't seem so bad.
Maybe I'll also whisper a little something about actually now washing our clothes, instead of making him do it.

No, that's crazy talk.
I might need to come up with a Plan B.

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

So sometime in the near future, I'll be posting pics of my beautiful NEW laundry room.
I'm just about to get started cleaning the floor boards in there and taping the walls so I can PAINT!!!!

I'm excited.
I hope I get to it soon.
Because like I said, it's Spring Break, and A LOT IS GOING ON around here.

Sweet Shelbi just went on her very first trip without me and Warwick. A school trip. I miss that kid. All grown up. Sigh. Durn offspring.

And I almost forgot.
It's Warwick's Birthday!
Whoopee!

So that has been distracting me a bit.
The girls and I made him a cake.
Well the girls that are still here with me. The one's that haven't gone and left me high and dry.

It's a German Chocolate Cake.
And it may have been one of the worst baking experiences of my life. Or the best, I haven't decided yet.

In any case the cake turned out PERFECT. MOIST. DIVINE.

Me on the other hand, turned out a little frazzled from all the fighting about stirring, pouring, and licking the bowl.

How can one child be so happy and another have so much angst?

A day in the life, I suppose.

Mama Lett's German Chocolate Cake
One more thing!
This is my husbands FAVORITE CAKE IN THE UNIVERSE, says he. So I say, "Oh Good! I know how to make a German Chocolate Cake!" And I made him this one for Christmas. And he says, " Yup. That's a cake. But it ain't German Chocolate." And I say, "How rude. You don't know what your talking about and your super rude. Did I tell you that?" And he says, "Yes, and no I'm not. It's good, but its no Mama Lett German Chocolate Cake."

Mama Lett is his Grandmother.

Quite possibly the sweetest person to EVER roam the earth.
Who upon hearing about my rude, ungrateful, truth bearing husband, immediately gave me this recipe, and a piece of cake. And smiled at me, and gave me a hug, and smiled at me some more.

So I will make her German Chocolate Cake.
And I will endure whatever my children dish out as I teach them to make it, when they are 2 and 5 years old, respectively.
And my husband will eat the said cake, and smile, and love me, and never know the hell I went through to get this piece of heaven on his birthday plate.

For the Cake:
Cooking spray
4 oz. sweet baking chocolate
1/2 cup water
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
4 eggs, separated
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup low-fat buttermilk

For the Pecan-Coconut Frosting:
4 egg yolks, beaten
12 oz. 2% milk fat Evaporated Milk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 sticks of butter (3/4 cup)
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups of finely chopped pecans
2 2/3 cup of unsweetened Coconut flakes

Directions:

1.Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray 3 -9 inch round pans with cooking spray. Line the bottoms with wax paper.

2. In a small microwavable glass container, microwave chocolate and water on high for 2 minutes. Stir at the 1 minute mark. Remove from microwave and stir until chocolate is completely melted.

3. In a medium sized mixing bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Set aside to use later. In another medium sized bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl (with an electric mixer) beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs yolks one at a time (not all at once as seen here) beating well after each addition. Next, add chocolate mixture and vanilla.

Finally, add 1/2 the flour mixture, then the buttermilk, and ending with the flour. Be sure to beat and blend well after each addition.

She's not blinking. Her eyes are rolling in the back of her head because she's pissed.

4. Gently fold in egg whites until just incorporated and no whites can be seen. Pour into prepared pans.

5. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cook cakes for 15 minutes, and then remove from pans and allow to cool completely on wire racks. Frost with Pecan-Coconut filling between layers and on the top and sides of the cake.

Directions for the Pecan Coconut Filing/Icing:

1. To a large saucepan, add egg yolks, evaporated milk, and vanilla and whisk until blended. Add butter and sugar and cook on medium heat for 12 minutes, while stirring continuously. The mixture will thicken and become a golden brown when it is done. Remove from heat and add the pecans and coconut. Stir well. Cool. Once the mixture has cooled, use to frost your cake.

Houston Aeros Hockey and Breast Cancer Awareness

2012-03-09T09:55:00.000-06:00

I've got some really great news for you if you live near Houston and you're free this weekend . . . .

Houston Loves Women.

Houston Supports Women.

Houston Fights Breast Cancer.

Wanna feel the love? Wanna Support A Cause that affects us all? Wanna help Fight the Fight?

Come out and join us as we watch our Houston Aeros Hockey Team play on Pink Sunday benefiting the Young Survival Coalition on Sunday March 11th @ 5:05pm vs Grand Rapids.

Get YOUR discount tickets buy clicking HERE and using the code pink1 .

If you're a survivor call 713-361-7916 for your 4 FREE Tickets.

Some of the Pink Activities Going On:

YSC Silent Auction: Showcasing items from the Aeros, NHL and AHL teams, local restaurants and vendors, a cruise and much more.
The Pink Line: Visit with over 20 women's health related vendors and advocates.
Pink Shirts and Human Pink Ribbon on the Ice - Purchase a pink Houston Aeros shirt designed by the players' wives and partake in a human Pink Ribbon on the ice.
Pink Glove Dance: Help the Aeros break the record for the largest indoor pink glove dance. (Everyone will be provided with a pair of pink gloves.)

All proceeds from the silent auction and t-shirt sales will be donated to the Young Survival Coalition as well as a portion of tickets sold.

And remember to wear pink!

My family and I will be attending the game in memory of my late grandmother Theresa Christophe Sarpy and my cousin Andrea Parker. We will continue to fight the fight. Thank you Houston Aeros for providing the tickets.

Organizing My Habits and My Study. Well. . . . . .Part of it Anyway.

2012-03-07T14:55:00.001-06:00

Soledad has told me 2 times in the past week that she could do something that I told her she could not.
As in COULDN'T DO IT.
Physically was incapable.
I told her. . . . . in so many words, 'Nope. Your body won't let you do that.'

And she told me, "Yes it can. Yes, it will. It can do it. It WILL do it. On this very day."

And I said, smiling of course, thinking that I'm such a great mother, "Well maybe it sort of can. And in the future it certainly will, but today, not so much."

To appease her, I helped her on the monkey bars. We examined her hands, and noticed a lack of calluses. I told her it would be hard to make it all the way across without the hard meat on your hands to help get a good grip. So, the first time across, I held her legs, a little, and she made it through 1/4 of the way. I was impressed.

When I turned to see what my 7 year old was doing, Soledad climbed back on the monkey bars all by herself, and when I turned back around, I noticed she was hanging four feet from the ground, swinging madly from one rung to the other, I started to run over so that I could catch her when she fell.

She yelled to me. "DON'T TOUCH ME! I CAN DO IT!"

And she did. She did it.
She never fell.
She just swung that little body of hers, shifting her hips from side to side, grabbing each rung with her momentum.
Grinning from ear to ear, she swung her last leg onto the ladder, climbed down and looked up at me.
Not a word came from her lips.
She just tilted her head and waited.

"Wow. Soli, you did it! Wow!!! That was amazing! I'm so proud of you. I didn't know you were so strong. I didn't know you could do that."

"Well you should have, because I told you."

OK, well noted.

She also told us (it wasn't just my fault this time) that she could sing Karaoke at the City's 50th Birthday Celebration.

She said, "Yes, I can."
We said, "No, you can't"
She said, "YES I CAN."
We said, "You're five. You can't read."
She said, "Yes, I can. I do it everyday."
We said, "But not that well. Not big words. Not like this."
She cried.
We walked away.
She cried.
We told her next year.
And then my husband remembered they probably won't have ANOTHER 50th birthday celebration next year. Darn it.

So we turned around, signed her up, and waited for the red faces to ensue. For the lack of reading skills to hold her back. For her to get embarrassed, nervous and give up.

We should have known better.

She read that teleprompter thing like nobody's business.
She sang her little heart out in her cute little softball pants.

http://youtu.be/D5tEibP9HZo

When will I learn to just let my children fly?
And to stop worrying?
They are going to be okay.
They are going to be better than okay.
They are going to be amazing.

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

When it comes to being organized, sometimes I think, I can't do it.
It's too hard.
It won't stay that way.
What's the use?

Good thing I don't have my mom standing over my shoulder telling me I'll never be able to tackle such a feat.
No.
My mom is supportive.
My mom is a real gem.

She says things like "You can do it! Get up and do it again. This time don't give up! Wait for your second wind!!!!"

She's told me those things over and over again in the past 36 years.
I'm gonna tell my kids that.
I'm gonna tell me that.

I can be organized!
Starting with my Study.
And that durn Bookshelf.

And my kids homework supplies.

Clear the book shelf!
Take away all unnecessary books. Throw away junk!

Throw all the superfluous mess onto your desk so that you won't be able to do anything but clean up!

Buy plastic black bins with clear drawers because you like clear things and it will help you be more organized!

Remove old box that has been sitting in the corner for 4 years and put that junk AWAY!

I'm not exaggerating when I say that box has been sitting there in that very spot for 3 years and 9 months. Nothing in it that's important. Cable wires. Crap. Extension cords. Nobody wants to figure out what to do with it.

YOU CAN DO IT!
Organize your life!

You just did it.
Job well done:)

Baked and Blackened Tilapia Sandwiches

2012-03-05T12:04:00.000-06:00

I woke up last night to a shriek. At about 1:30 am.
Followed by an intense cry of terror.

"Daddy!!!!! Daddy!!!!! Daddyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!"

I could hear a quiver in her voice as she yelled and yelled and yelled.
I don't know how long it took me to realize what was happening. But, I think I must of reacted rather quickly because I couldn't get knucklehead next to me to rouse a bit from his slumber.

As I was running out the bedroom I yelled, "Warwick! She's crying! Something is wrong! She's yelling for YOU!!!!"

I hurdled the gate at the bottom of the stairs and ran to her room.
I flung the door open and she leaped into my arms. Heart pounding. Tears flowing.
She was shaking so hard. Her face was pale. She's only two. She looked as if she had seen a ghost.

She buried her head into my shoulder. "Mama, mama, mama. . "she cried over and over again.

"Baby what's wrong? What happened? Tell me what happened!" I pleaded.

"Mama. Mama." Her chest heaving trying to control her fear. "I saw him. The Grinch Mama. He here. He here!" And she started convulsing again.

By then, Shelbi and Bella had come into the room. Worried for their baby sister, trying to comfort her. Still she's shaking. Inconsolable. I hand her off to Shelbi. "Let Shelbi hold you baby. Okay? Mommy is going to show you there is no Grinch."

But the terror in her eyes was real. And I was frightened to check. I looked behind the rocker, under bed, under her blankets and in her closet. "See baby? No Grinch. No Grinch."

She leaned over to me, grabbed my neck in a death grip and started to sob again.
"Oh baby, sweet girl. It's okay. You can sleep with mommy tonight."

And then she rested her head on my shoulder, hugged me a little tighter, and we walked down stairs to my room.

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

Oh my Lord. That had to have been some nightmare.
I was scared just looking at her.
She said the Grinch came to her room and then took her blanket and put it over her head.
Yikes.

She slept with me and Warwick last night, but every time I tried to turn over she just grabbed me tighter to make sure I wasn't going to leave her.

I'm never going to leave her.
I hope she knows that.

But. . . . . . she has got to get back in HER bed. And today at nap time she was still scared.
So I slept next to her on the floor.
And hopefully tomorrow will be a little better.

I have to help her face her fears.

How can I tell a 2 year old that there will be boogey men, and scary things, but that she can weather them all.
That she is strong, and she is brave, and she can handle everything that life throws at her?

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

Darkness.
Blackness.
That can be a scary thing.

But it can also be a really, really, good thing.
Like at night. The moon and the stars come out at night. Without darkness we couldn't have light, some might say.

And blackness. . . the rich soil, a black pearl, and the sweetness of molasses.
All those things are jewels. Real treasures.

And blackened fish.

Yum.
I'm not sure it gets any better.
Out of the darkness comes the light.
Now. . . .if I could only convince my 2 old that . . . . .

Blackened Tilapia Sandwiches
adapted from Paula Dean ( A few things that I changed. Paula used butter for the oil and used 1/2 cup of it. I did not. I only used 4 TB and. . . I used smart balance. I have also substituted canola or olive oil in the place of butter. I'm crazy like that. And of course, I'm sure the Kaiser buns she suggested would be fab, but for everyday meals, we use 100% whole wheat buns, and save the white bread for special occasions. Oh! She fried hers yal. But I baked mine. )

Ingredients:

1/4 cup sweet paprika
2 tablespoons ground thyme
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (I used Cayenne)
2-4 TB smart balance (melted), canola oil, or olive plus more for brushing on your bread (amount of oil depends on the size of your fillets)
6 frozen tilapia fillets, thawed
6 whole wheat buns
cooking spray

Directions

1.Preheat oven to 450. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spray with cooking spray.

1. In a shallow bowl, large enough to fit the fish, combine the paprika, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and red pepper. Mix well.

2. Brush or drizzle oil over the fish and rub in. Coat both sides of the fish with the seasoning mixture.

3. Place fillets on the baking sheet and cook for 9-11 minutes or until fish comes out flaky.
Serve on toasted buns with ketchup, light mayonnaise, mustard and all the fixins'.

X-Acto Bulldog Manual Vacuum Mount Pencil Sharpener: It sure is pretty.

2012-02-29T15:42:00.000-06:00

Children. Come hither.
I have something that will change your lives.
Our lives.

No more anxiety about funky sharpened pencils where you can see the lead, you just can't use it.
No more woes about pencil shavings that burst and have been strewn all over the floor from your lack of coordination and pencil holding skills when you rotate a pencil.
No more leg cramps as you stand over the trash can inhaling the fumes from last night's dinner, while I yell at you to pay attention to what your doing while holding something sharp in your hands.

No more children.
No more.

Today is the day that your mother has brought home the King Sized Candy Bar.
The Popcorn Flavored Jelly Belly.
The light in your dark, dank world.

Look at this. . . ..
It's a pencil sharper.

Brand: X-Acto.
Cost: $6.97. The best darn money I've spent on this side of 2012.
No batteries needed.
Don't let your shady little friends fool you. Electric is not better.
What you need, is the power that comes from your own little hands, bundled up into this. . . . . .

Sharp. Sleek machine.
With a clear gray plastic container to let you see the amazement that happens when a little piece of wood comes into contact with the rotating spindle of this little dandy.

I weep, dear children, I weep.
That you could know the love that I feel is due you.
That you will run home from the bus stop eager to do your homework because YOU KNOW, you will get to sharpen your pencils well.

At first, everyone will want to sharpen their pencils all at the same time.
Lines will form.
Arguments will ensue.
But worry not.
Everyone will have there turn.

Actual fight ensuing.

The machine is sturdy.
The machine is capable.
The machine will serve you well.

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

I'm really excited about our brand new pencil sharpener. Can you tell?
I soon as I got it, I ran to call Warwick, and he was all "Oh. Yeah? A pencil sharpener?"

And I was all, "No, not just any pencil sharpener. It's like the ones we used to have. In school. That you crank yourself!"

And he was all, "Like Grammi has? You could have just taken hers."

And I was all "NO! Not like Grammi has! THIS ONE IS NEW! AND THIS ONE IS CLEAR!!! CLEAR!!! CLEAR!!! I tell you! You can actually see the pencil being sharpened as you wind it up! And the suction thing on the bottom works so well! Her suction always breaks! This one is better!!! IT DOESN'T EVEN NEED BATTERIES!!! IT'S ECO FRIENDLY!"

And he was all "Oh. Good. Good then."

And I was all, "How rude. Bye."

PS- Want one too? You can buy it at Walmart. This is not a paid post. I just bought a pencil sharpener and really loved it. Really. Really loved it. I thought you should know.

VEGAN Real Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

2012-02-27T05:52:00.001-06:00

Enter the Baking Basics and Beyond Giveaway. And bake beyond. . . .

Why I think I had a pretty good week last week.

My sweet Bella had a report to present week. While most of the class did theirs on Puppies, pop stars, and modern day pop culture icons, my kid did hers on Jackie Robinson. I didn't even know, she knew who he was.

Again, Bella hit the ball out of the ballpark (like how I did that?) and made her First Reconciliation ( you know - where you go sit in a booth next to a priest and confess your sins) and she wasn't even worried or scared. She sat and looked at the priest face to face. I've never been brave enough to do that. . but then again I'm sure her sins aren't as bad as mine.

Shelbi, my brilliant child, has steadily been preparing for an upcoming vacation. She has been arduously working to find deals on cameras, memory cards, and knapsack/purses. I'm so proud that she values money. Her's at least. (I can't find the picture. You'll just have to trust me on this one.)

We ate out twice this week.
Once, we went to Cheddar's and Bella ordered this. . . . .

and made that same plate look like this. . .

While Soledad and Phoebe ordered this.. . . . .

And Soledad cried and cried because I would NOT take a picture of her cleaned plate because I told her it doesn't matter if you eat all your food, if it's fried. Maybe next time she'll order a vegetable or two.

The other time we ate out, I ordered this for the whole lot of us. It's 28 inches wide. 1/2 pineapple 1/2 prosciutto. It was A LOT of pizza.

Warwick broke the steam cleaner EVEN MORE on our way to get it fixed. So he shelled the big bucks to buy the same one on mega sale.

Phoebe's personality is really starting to come out. She is calling me "Nicole" and 'Meanie" instead of the preferred "Mommy", and she used a plastic drill to "stick me up". I'm a little worried.

I was at home for 6 whole hours. And I listened to jazz on the radio. And I burned scented oil that smelled like a mix between my husbands cologne and and burning wood. Mmmmmmm.

My poor knees have been through the ringer lately. But I found this, and now . . .now. . . .they feel oh. so. nice.

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

And. . . . . .
I made this.

Red Beans and Rice.
It makes me think about my Momma.
And the smells that come from her kitchen.
And Lent, and eating fish and biscuits on Fridays.

I could have just said Louisiana Red Beans and Rice, Sans Animaux (no animals were harmed in the making of this delicious dinner), but in the spirit of my sometimes wannabe hippy spirit, I'll just call it Vegan.

But either way, it was the pies de resistance on why I had a really good week.

VEGAN Real Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

Ingredients:

1 pound dry red kidney beans
2 TB canola oil
1 large onion, finely diced
3 ribs celery, finely diced
1 large bell pepper (I like red)
2 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. oregano
1/4 - 1 tsp cayenne pepper (start with a little. you can always add more)
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 bay leaves
6 garlic cloves minced OR 2 tsp Garlic Powder
8 cups water
3 tsp. Liquid Smoke
salt, to taste
Cooked rice

Directions:

1. Cover beans with water and soak overnight OR bring to boil once they are covered with water, allow to boil for 2 minutes, remove from heat, cover and allow to sit for one hour. Drain. Rinse.

2. Heat the oil in a large pot. Add the finely diced onion, celery, and bell pepper. I just popped mine in the food processor.

Cook 3-5 minutes or until translucent. Add the thyme, oregano, cayenne, black pepper, bay leaves and garlic. Cook for one minute longer. Add the beans and the water. DO NOT ADD THE SALT. THIS WILL MAKE YOUR BEANS TOUGH.

3. Turn the heat up to high, and cook the beans until they reach a boil. Reduce the heat to simmer. Cover partially and cook (stirring occasionally) until they are very tender, and falling apart, about 2 - 3 hours. When the beans are tender, add salt to taste. Mash 1/3 of the mixture with the back of a wooden spoon or a potato masher, to make the liquid thick. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, adjust seasonings, and remove bay leaves. Serve over rice. Yum.

Cinnamon Streusal Muffins, Baking Basics and Beyond GIVEAWAY, and Texting with Love. . . .

2012-02-22T10:14:00.000-06:00

Nana just got an iPhone.
She loves it.
I love it.

She has a Words with Friends Game (similar to scrabble) going on with EVERY member of my family. Except Phoebe, and as soon as Feebs gets an iPod touch, I'm sure she'll oblige.

I told her, "Mommy, I'm really busy, I don't have a lot of time to play games, but I'll try."
And it took me like two weeks but, now I'm in and I'm loving it.

Also, she sends the funniest texts.
Whenever she types, "Oh, boy!" It comes out "Ho Boy!", which makes me chuckle every. single. time.

She sends texts early in the morning that say, "Good morning love. I hope you have a wonderful day." And then I really do have a wonderful day, and I think its no coincedence.

She also sends texts that are undecipherable, and I have to call her on the phone to figure out what the heck she is talking about.

But the best. . .the very best thing is when she texts the kids. They are the most loving texts ever. This is a series of texts between my mom and my 5 year old, Soledad. The first is when Soledad was sick, and my mother was checking in on her. It starts out with a message from Soledad to tell Nana how she was feeling.

Soledad: I am fileg betr (feeling better). Loce (look) at the happy pikchr (picture)
love Soledad

Nana: What a good way to start the day. Seeing my sweet Soledad. Love Nana.

- - - - - - - - -

Soledad: Nana i had a basketball gam my tem wun. it wus 13 to 15. the tem that Had 15 wus my tem. the other tem loess (loses)

Nana: Soli, I'm so glad your team won. Wish I could have been there.

Soledad: Nana i love you so so so so so moch. I love you as a sret apple (sweet apple)

- - - - - - - -

Soledad: I love you so so so so so so so so so so so so so so

So so moch. i love you as a sret apple and a sret buttrfly (a sweet apple and a sweet butterfly -that's a lot of love)

love Soledad

Nana: Hi Pumpkin. love you so much. I am so proud of you. You make me so so happy.

Love Nana

- - - - - - - -

Nana: Soli, I hope your Valentine's Day is filled with lots of fun. I wish I could be with you. Love Nana.

Soledad: Hi Nana. I love you so moch. I have softball practis today. i hop you codov cam (can come) Love Soledad

Soledad: Do you like Lucky?

- - - - - - - - -

[Soledad requesting the game Words With Friends ]

Soledad: Wat are you playeg (what are you playing) with bella? can i play Nana.

Nana: Yes Soledad. Tell your mother so she can put it on your Ipod.

Soledad: tell me the trooth bella!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nana I mant to sen that to bella.

Nana: OK

Soledad: But I dowt (don't ) have the gam. can you git it four me nana?

Nana: OK Soledad (*Nana then calls me 20 times on the phone until I download the app to Soledad's phone*)

Soledad: I have it nana. i will play. Wan it is lotid Nana (When it is loaded)

Nana: Thanks

Soledad: It is your trn Nana (she is telling my mom it is her turn to play in words for friends. . .totally not necessary)

Nana: it is your turn Soli.

Soledad: Are you dan (done) Nana!!!!!!!

Soledad: Are you playeg (playing) it is your trn nan

Soledad: Your name ment to be spelt like this Nana.

Soledad: I hsvt to go to the stir (i have to go to the store) i cant play

Nana: We'll play later.

Soledad: Nana it is your turn make a word. ia m tiyrd of wateg. (I am tired of waiting) Bo ho ho bo ho ho!!!!!!!!!! If you don't make a word I'm not playing.

Nana: Soledad. I was at work but I am at home now. Do you want to play words?

- - - - - - - - - - -

If it weren't for technology none of that would have happened.
My mother lives in Dallas.
And we live in Houston.
I think technology is a beautiful thing.

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

Some say technology removes us from our lives.
And maybe it does, for some.
But, I think it can also bring us back to the basics.
To the simple art of love, and being together.

Basics like playing games.
Board games. Only electronically.
Talking. Only typing and texting.

And sharing a snack.
Like this one.

Cinnamon Streusal Muffins.
It comes from the cookbook, Baking Basics and Beyond by Pat Sinclair.
I would make one for each and every one of you, coupled with hot tea and napkin if I could.
But since I can't, I'm just gonna take this picture, and post this recipe and hope that you'll make it and think of me, and share it with those that you love.

Ho Boy!
I got so carried away with of this love and technology, that I forgot to tell you I want to give one of these cookbooks to YOU!

To say, embrace techonology, but still eat.
Still cook.
Still bake.
Still go the traditional, basic, tried and true way.
Just do it better. Or different.
But just do it.

Want Baking Basics and Beyond?
Here's How to Enter:

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

"What is your favorite techie gadget? And. . .how does it help keep you connected to 'The Basics' of life? ”

THE RULES
One entry per person, please. You can tell me more than one gadget, but I'm only gonna count it once. You tricky little trickster you.

The Baking Basics and Beyond GIVEAWAY will end February 28, 2012 at midnight CST. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, February 29th, 2011. Entrants limited to US and Canada. They will be chosen randomly using http://www.random.org/

Good Luck!

Update:

And the winner is. . .. . .

Ashlee:
Oh my, how I love muffins! And, my iPhone...I guess that would be as techie as I get! And, I have to say it, I'm obsessed with Facebook, and getting a peek into my friends and family's lives that I don't get to see as often as I would like!
Love the texts...so sweet! My 7 year old and his Nana text too ;-)

Ashlee please contact nickiwoo.thehomeguru@gmail.com in the next 48 hours to claim your prize.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

And NOW FOR THE RECIPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
This recipe comes from Baking Basics and Beyond by Pat Sinclair and is reprinted with permission from Baking Basics and Beyond, Second Edition, by Pat Sinclair, Agate Surrey, December 2011.
I should also say, this is and EXCELLENT Cookbook with over 100 recipes and tons of great tips geared to help the novice and anyone looking to improve their baking skills :)

One of the reasons muffins are so popular is because they are quick and easy to make and full of flavor. Adding the liquid all at once to the dry ingredients actually is called the "muffin method" and makes muffins that are light and tender with an even texture inside. Serve these muffins warm from the oven with apple butter to enhance the spicy cinnamon flavor.

Makes 12 Muffins

Streusal Topping

1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons cold butter

Muffins

2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspon salt
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg, beaten

Heat oven to 400 F (200 C) with oven rack in middle. Lightly spray 12 cups in a standard muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Streusel Topping

Combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.

Muffins

Combine flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in center of the flour by pushing ingredients out toward sides of bowl.

Combine milk, melted butter, vanilla, and egg in a medium bowl. Pour milk mixture into the flour mixture, and stir only until the flour is moistened even though the batter is not smooth. Scrape down sides of bowl.

Divide batter into prepared muffin cups, filling them about 2/3 full. Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon (15ml) of streusel over each muffin.

Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of a couple of muffins comes out dry. Cool slightly and remove from the pan.

Run a small metal spatula around edge of each muffin to loosen it, and lift gently from the pan. Serve muffins warm with butter or jam.

Baker's Note: For muffins, I prefer spraying the muffin cups instead of using paperliners because      muffins usually stick to the paper.

Secret to Success: Muffins are at their best served warm from the oven. Any uneaten muffins can be wrapped and stored at room temperature. I reheat them in the microwave before serving.

Ashley's Sloppy Tacos (Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Tacos with black beans, corn and tomatoes)

2012-02-16T08:55:00.000-06:00

February 15th

Me: I really thought you were going to buy me the Breaking Dawn Part I DVD for Valentine's Day.

Warwick: Oh.

Me: I mean I didn't really expect a present, but I kinda did. You always buy me something.

Warwick: Yeah. Well, time was running out, and I was going to but. . . . . . then I didn't.

Me: Buy me a present?

Warwick: Yeah. Buy you the DVD.

Me: Oh.

Warwick: I was looking at all the DVD's and I couldn't figure out which one to get. The one with the life size poster? The one with the white cover? The two disk copy with the picture of that guy on the front.

Me: ANY copy would have great. But, ummm.. . . 2 disc copy is always a safe bet. And a picture of that guy would have been good too.

Him: Okay.

Me: But . . . . . . . . I did like the card you gave me. It was really nice. If you really meant all those things the author of the card wrote.. . . . .. for me . . . .from you.

Him: Yeah, I did. I meant them. I started to get you a Twilight Card, but then I thought it was too corny.

Me: I like corny.

Him: Okay. Maybe I'll get it next time.

Me: Okay. Just remember, the card is for ME. You don't have to like it, if you know I will. That's why I put back the Charlie Brown cute Valentine's card for husbands, and got you that card that said "Please DO ME for Valentine's Day." I thought you would like it.

Him: I did. I do.

Me: Good. You know, you can still buy the DVD. The store didn't sell out.

Him: Okay. We'll go and pick it out together.

Me: Really?

Him: Yes.

Me: Okay. I'd like that. I love you.

Him: Love you too.

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

Well, ours is a bit of a Sloppy Love Story.
And our Valentine's Day was sloppy as well.

But it was nice.
Low key.
He came home early from work and helped me cook dinner, Steaks, Shrimp and Salad.
Blackberry Cobbler for dessert.
The kids ate up a vat full of candy that they got from school.
Two softball practices and an episode of Parenthood later, I was knocked out.

My favorite part of the day was when my eyes were drifting shut, and he leaned over and kissed me on the forehead and told me he loved me.

Sloppy can be a really good thing.

Ashley's Sloppy Tacos
My buddy Ashley gave me this recipe. She is the mama to my sweet Bella's best friend since kindergarten. I love her. She's funny, crazy, and is just one of those people who makes your life better in a million different ways.

Anyway, Ash is the Queen of quick, nutritious meals and she rambled this one off to me last week while we were at the gym.
"Chicken Breast, Corn, Black Beans, Cream Cheese, Tomatoes, Crock Pot. . . . DONE!" She boasted.
I thought, sounds too good to be true.
But it wasn't.
You probably have all the stuff in your pantry to make it tonight.
Just grab some frozen chicken and five minutes and let it ride.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 - 2 pounds chicken breast
1 - 28 oz can Rotel tomatoes
1 8 oz block of cream cheese (I used the 1/3 less fat variety)
8 oz frozen corn
1 - 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
whole wheat tortillas
1 onion, chopped
Cilantro, optional
Sour Cream, optional

Directions:
1. Add all the ingredients to your slow cooker, cover and cook on HIGH for 6 hours.

2. Remove chicken and shred. Place chicken back in the slow cooker. Mix well.

3. Serve with tortillas and garnish with cilantro, sour cream, and cheddar cheese.

Heart Shaped Pancakes with Light Chocolate Ganache Sauce

2012-02-14T08:26:00.001-06:00

Dear YOU,

I wanted to tell you something. Something that kinda gets my stomach all in knots. Makes me a little bit anxious and a lot bit woozy.

Here goes . . . . ..

You make me happy.
I'm very happy having you in my life. I. . . .uuuhhh, love you.

When my husband asks me about my blog, I laugh and tell him about the funny comments you left for me that day. I tell him how much I enjoy hearing your stories and how glad I am that YOU are in my life.

I call you my friend.
I don't call you my reader.
I don't call you my blogger buddy.
I just call you my friend.

Many of you, I've never met in the flesh, but that doesn't mean I love you any less. You have become a part of my life, and it means a lot to me to know that I have you as a friend on the other end of this computer screen.

Anyway, my husband thinks I'm a little coo-coo. Willy nilly calling you my friend, saying that I love you.

But I do. And I hope you feel the same. Happy Valentine's Day.

Love,

Nicole
(Nicki Woo)

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

When you are loved by Nicki Woo, it's a heavy burden to bear.

I will. . . . .
Dig in your ears.
Smell your breath twenty times a day.
Yell at you for using harsh tones or calling people out of their name.
Kiss you more times than you can count.
Hug you tight. Hug you long.
Let you sleep in my bed if your tummy hurts.
YELL AT YOU for doing nothing wrong because I'm on my period.
Cry, when you send me texts that say
"Good Morning Love. Hope you have a great day! Love Mom"
Ignore you when I'm on the phone with you because I'm multi-tasking.
And. . . .

Make you heart shaped pancakes with LIGHT chocolate ganache sauce.
I hope the burden is not too much to bear.

Heart Shaped Pancakes with Light Chocolate Ganache Sauce
Super easy to make. . . .and super special.

Basic Buttermilk Pancake Recipe or
Bisquick Ultimate Melt in Your Mouth Pancakes Recipe (this is a great dense pancake recipe perfect for shaping into hearts)

Light Chocolate Ganache Sauce
1 1/4 cup soy milk (or use any type of milk you have)
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1. Make pancake batter according to directions. You need a dense pancake batter that easily holds its shape when forming hearts.

2.Spray griddle with cooking spray.

3. Place batter onto griddle in the form of hearts. Cook until edges are dry. Turn. Cook until golden.

To Make the Ganache:

1. In a microwave safe bowl, add the chocolate chips and soy milk. Microwave until warm. Stir to melt. Whisk until smooth. Pour over pancakes. Devour.

Spinach Pesto IN A FLASH!!!

2012-02-08T12:00:00.000-06:00

All I want is for my girls to get along.

To love each other.
To take up for one another.
To know that if there is anyone in the world who they can depend on, it's their sisters.

They don't have to like each other.
But I want them to, with every inch of their little souls, LOVE one another.
More than they love anyone or anything.
That is what I want.

And this is what I'm up against.
I found this on the kitchen counter yesterday.

A poem written by Shelbi.
A poem about her sisters.
She got a 100 on it.

- - -

Sisters

Sisters are a pain,
just like a stain.

They make me want to cry.
They make me want to die.

They get me in trouble.
I wish I was in a bubble.

I want them to go away,
and never come back someday.

- - - - -

Lord help us all.

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

So I'm not really sure what I should think.
I'm thinking maybe this poem is a bit like this pesto.

When you first look at it you think, Oh! Basil, little bit spicy, a lot bit yummy. But then when you taste it you're like oh. . .no basil. it's mild, yet full of flavor. Yummy AND surprisingly comforting.

Maybe that is the essence of this poem.

When I first looked at it I was like "Oh, a lovely poem by my genius child Shelbi! I know this will be a winner."

And then I read it. And it wasn't what I thought it would be. AT ALL. Surprisingly rude and slightly nauseating for a mother who's endeavor in life is for her children to love one another.

But then I reread it and thought, It's kinda funny. And it's not like we didn't know she felt this way. And well, I think I kinda like it. NO. I know I love it. Because this is so my Shelbi. And I'm sure she loves her sisters even if they make her want to die.

It's just all how you look at it.
I guess.

Pesto can be mild. And sisters can be pests.
And its all lovely.
Yes, lovely.

Easy Spinach Pesto
I don't know if words can accurately explain to you how much I LOVE THIS PESTO. My children, God love them (even if Shelbi doesn't) don't really care for pesto made from basil. And well, I love pesto, and was really thinking I might trade my kids in for a new lot for this very reason alone. But ever since Spinach Pesto has walked into our lives, I don't think we'll ever be the same. Last night we ate it on pasta for dinner, on Super Bowl Sunday we used it as a dip to go with the raw vegetable platter. Last week, I put it on chicken, pasta, bread and I may have just eaten it off the spoon. This stuff is so good. No doubt.

Adapted from Thursday Night Pizza (Father Dominic's Favorite Pizza Recipes) By Father Dominic Garramone ~Check out this book for tons of savory and sweet pizza recipes, tips, tricks, and sauces!

Ingredients:

4 cups baby spinach, washed
3 cloves garlic
1/2 cup walnuts
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
1 small lemon, juiced
salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:
1. Into a food processor or blender add 2 cups of spinach, garlic, nuts and lemon juice.
Puree until well blended.
2. Add remaining spinach, olive oil and cheese. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Last Minute Superbowl Party Dip: Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Dip and The Ninja Professional Blender

2012-02-05T11:04:00.000-06:00

It's five o'clock in the morning.
On Superbowl Sunday morning.

I should be sleeping.
Dreaming about what confections I might eat tonight.
How many wings I might eat.
How many cherry bars I'll be able to shove down my throat.

But instead. . . . .
I'm practicing my Yoga breathing techniques and breathing slow and deep.
Wishing I knew Karate so that I could go all Ninja crazy Kung Fu on these jokers in my house.

WHO ALL wanted a Superbowl Party. WHO ALL said we NEVER have anyone over. WHO ALL were at home BY THEMSELVES, with no distractions and neglected to CLEAN THE HOUSE when that was the only job they had.

And now it's five o'clock in the morning.
And I still have to decorate.
Wash the dishes.
Vacuum.
Clean the bathrooms.
And cook.
Hot Wings.
Submarines.
Box Brownies.
Turkey Chili.
Jalapeno Poppers.
Cherry Almond Bars.
Cheesecake Lemon Bars.
Bacon-Maple-Bourbon-Coffee Caramel Corn.
Fruit Trays.
Strawberry Lemonade.
Tea.

So I decided to write to you instead. And breathe. I've been doing lots of breathing.
I'm not gonna let this upset me.
Because I love those crazy knuckleheads and I don't want any toxic mentalities invading my aura today.

So I'm going to try and stay in the moment.
And suggest that Warwick HANG MY WALL HANGINGS ON THE WALL NOW.

That he clean the bathrooms and supervise the girls more diligently, while I quietly bust my a** in the kitchen.
That the girls clean up their pigstys/rooms so that I don't go all Kung Fu Crazy Ninja on them.

I'm breathing now.
I'm putting on Smooth Jazz.
I'm lighting candles.
I'm burning incense.

And I am not listening to that crazy voice in my head that is telling me to freak out. NOW.

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

I'm just now learning that everything and everybody comes into my life for a reason. TO HELP ME GROW.

My kids help me with patience.
My husband helps me with self esteem.
My dog helps me with patience, self esteem, and urine removal.

And this. . .

is going to help me with the SuperBowl.
The Ninja Professional Blender.

When I woke up feeling the vibe of the Ninja, I thought I was supposed to be karate chopping my family for their very horrible behavior.

But looky here. It was just the universe sending me love and help.

Blend your way into calmness, Little Grasshopper.
Press button and chop, chop, chop your frustration.
Choose bright red food that will help you live long time, and shove in mouth.
Use hard bread to scoop it up as utensil.
This will save time and money.
Use Ninja Professional Blender wisely.
Use Ninja for savory and sweet.
Use Ninja always.

Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Dip

The is the first thing I made with my new blender. I think my guests are going to enjoy this last minute sweet, spicy and savory treat I just whipped up.

Adapted from the Ninja Kitchen

Ingredients:

7 Wheat crackers
1 jar 12 oz. roasted red pepper, drained
3/4 cup walnuts
1/2 lemon, juiced
1/2 tbsp. Honey
3/4 tsp. Ground cumin
1/4 tsp Cayenne
1/2 cup reduced fat cream cheese
1/4 of a small onion
Salt and Pepper, to taste
Pita Chips, Bagel Chips or 1 loaf of sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch slices (to make crostini)
1/4 cup olive oil (if using sourdough bread)

Directions:

1. Place the crackers, peppers and walnuts into the blender (Ninja Kitchen System). Cover and process until the mixture is finely chopped.

2. Add the lemon juice, honey, cumin, cayenne, cream cheese and onion. Process until the mixture forms a paste. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
To Make Crostini (little toast chips):

1. Brush the bread slices with the oil. Place the bread slices onto a baking sheet. Broil 7 inches from the heat for 2 minutes or until the bread slices are lightly browned on both sides, turning the bread slices over once halfway through broiling.

Serve Crostini with Spicy Red Pepper Dip.

What I like about it:
The Ninja Kitchen system can kick some serious rear in the kitchen. It can blend, puree and process. Also, IT ALSO (hold your breathe) can knead dough for pizza, bread, pretzels, and cookies.

It comes with . . . .

Ninja® Kitchen System Base and 40 oz. Processing Bowl with Blade and Lid
72 oz. Pitcher with Blade and Lid
Whisk Attachment, Dough Hook and Dough Paddle

The pitcher is XL which is great in my house for making smoothies so that I don't have to make 2 batches.

There is a handy lock on the bottom which makes the base suction onto the counter for heavy duty mixing.

I'm pulling really hard and its not moving an inch.

Retail Price: $159.80
Cost to Me: Free

Disclaimer: Nobody paid me to say I like this Ninja Kitchen System. Nobody paid me to throw a Superbowl party. Nobody paid me to clean my house, play smooth jazz or light incense. Can you get paid for that? If that's a job, I'd like to have it. Anyway. . .I digress. All the opinions are my own, and I received no compensation, but I did receive a Ninja Professional Blender for review purposes.