Wicked Delicious: Simple, Easy Winter Weeknight Dinner: Crock-Pot Ho...

I came across this recipe and am very anxious to try it.  With my new work schedule, I have decided that the best way to make sure that I can get dinner on the table at a reasonable time is for it to cook while I am at work.

I will share other crock pot recipes with you as I find those that are interesting (to me) and that I intend to try.  If you have tried it or will try it, please let me know how it worked out for you.

Oh yeah, I am notorious for modifying recipes, so I will let you know what changes I make.

ENJOY!!!

Wicked Delicious: Simple, Easy Winter Weeknight Dinner: Crock-Pot Ho...: If you are looking for something simple, easy, and scrumptious to make for dinner, this is it. These chicken and potatoes each only have 5 ...

Hello and Happy to be back.  It has been a while.  I have had a lot going on, but it feels good to be sitting here typing right now.  The month of September is been a crazy one for me.  I moved, started a new job, lost a little weight, had some personal things crop up, but all in all, IT HAS BEEN A FABULOUS month for me.  

I know the last time I was here, it was my birthday and I said I was going to set a new goal for myself.  Well here we go.  My next goal is to drop 18 - 20 pounds by Thanksgiving.  Yeah I know I am choosing the most insane time of year to set these goals, but I am determined.  I figure I love me and I am worth it.  I never completely deny myself anything because the more I deny myself.the more I want it, so it is good to indulge oneself from time to time.  

I have been walking quite a bit lately (mostly out of necessity), and I am sure that will contribute to the process.   Now I will say that my eating habits or should I say "lack of eating" habits are still horrible.  For example.  I didn't eat breakfast, lunch and I am reasonably sure most people wouldn't consider what I ate when I got home from work, dinner.  I just had a few diced potatoes that my daughter baked and a small piece of polish sausage.  For those of you who are already thinking...."omg, you can't starve yourself to lose weight.  it is unhealthy, blah, blah, blickety blah."  I know this people.  I don't eat like that to lose weight.  In reality it is counter productive to my weight loss as my body spends most of it's time in starvation mode.  I have always eaten like that (even when I was skinny).  It just doesn't occur to me to eat.  I don't really get hunger pains, so I run, and go, and do, and at some point in time during the day I realize that I have not eaten.  YES!!! This is on my list of things to fix, but I don't have high hopes for this one though.  I have been eating like this for 43 years.  LOL....old dog .....new trick....good luck.  

Anyway, I will periodically check in to let you know how I am progressing, any new recipes I find/try/create, any exercise I am trying (prefer Tai Chi, yoga, ect) .   Oh yeah and I have been trying to get more rest.  I really think that is making a HUGE difference.

I am always open to comments, positive input, and such.

Birthday challenge results

Happy birthday to me. I am happy to say that I not only met but exceeded my goal. When I began the challenge I was 309. Today I am 293.5. WOOHOO GO ME!!!

I am happy to say that I am motivated to continue. My ultimate goal is to get to between 180-200 pounds. I will set a new goal myself on Monday and I hope you all will continue to support and urge me on.

HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYONE!!!!!!

Just Because Day

Today is Just Because day.  I have always been a big fan of "just because" when it is done with kindness in your heart.  I have often said to my significant other, "I would rather have one carnation on an odd day just because you were thinking about me and loved me, than a dozen roses on Valentines Day because you felt like you had to."  I know there are some people out there who are thinking ...hell no, give me the roses.  However, I have an obscene appreciation for the simplicities of life.  Don't get me wrong, I love the extravagant things and appreciate them when they are gifted, but the things that tend to mean the most are the things done "just because." 

I like to cook breakfast for my other half and surprise him at work just because it would make him smile.

I like to surprise my girls with random nail polish and other cosmetic finds, just because they get so excited and can make their nails look like a box of crayons.

I like to make my mother miscellaneous just because it always makes her smile and lets her know how much she is appreciated.

I bake goodies and give them away just because it may make someones day.  

Life is about the simplicities and so this is definitely one of my favorite days.

  What did you do today...Just because?

$100

Have you ever considered what you would do if you were given an extra $100?  What would you do with that money?  No, it isn't a lot of money, but would you do a mini splurge and if so what would that splurge be?  Would you instinctively save it?  

Because I always spend any and every extra dime I have on my children, I would try very hard to be selfish with this extra and unexpected money. I have been wanting and needing some spa time.  I would have the mani/pedi and a nice massage.  Depending on where I got these things, I think I could squeeze in a facial.  

I know it seems frivolous, but for me, they are well deserved.  Any time an expense needs to be cut out, it is from me.  NEVER MY CHILDREN!!!  The funny thing is, I would probably still try to go get them a nail polish or something.


I look forward to hearing what you would do......

International Lefthanders Day

Did you know that today is the International Left-handers day?  Well I would like to send out a WOOHOO to all the lefties out there including my twin daughter leftie. On 13th August 1992 International Left-Handers Day was launched, an annual event when left-handers everywhere can celebrate their sinistrality and increase public awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of being left-handed.  It is often celebrated by left vs right sporting matches, left-handed tea parties, as well as left-handed activities where right handed parties are encouraged to try every day objects and tasks that left-handers are subjected to on a daily basis. There are several more ways to celebrate, but I think it is great thing anytime someone else is forced or at least encouraged to walk in another's shoes.  It encourages understanding on many different levels. 

 Actually, I think that left handed people tend to be quite intellectual and very deep people.  Maybe because to a certain extent they see and experience things vastly different than right handed people. 

Below is a link of an interesting article that you too may find rather cool to read.
http://www.livescience.com/17009-left-handedness-ambidexterity.html

Challenge update

Happy Monday morning everyone.  I just wanted to give a quick update on my progress. I would have taken a picture, but I have managed to catch a summer cold and kinda look like crap, so I will spare you all (LOL).

Ok back to business. As of today I have lost 4 pounds.  Now I will say that I had originally lost 6 pounds, but allowed stress to let 2 pounds creep back onto me.  That being said, I am sure I will lose the last six by the desired date. 

I have been doing some light exercises.  A little yoga, 10 minute Tae Bo (do you remember that?), and did the fit test for insanity. I am working mostly on my arms and my abs.   Unfortunately, I have a slightly crappy right knee, so I can't fully do a lot of the exercises, but I try to modify where I can. 

Wish me luck and I will check back around my birthday to let you know if I made my goal.

Son and Daughter Day

Did you know that today is son and daughter day?  This is a day when you give your children the best gift in the world:  your time.  Your sons and daughters are precious and the ability to just give them your time is priceless.  They grow up fast and you may miss the simplicities of your children after they have left the house.  Enjoy them whether they are younger or older and cherish the precious moments that you have been afforded.

My daughters and I have been making candy, watching movies, and cooking dinner for our day.  We have made a conscious effort to stay in the same room with one another for the better part of the day.  Yes, they still have their cell phones at the ready, but for the most part, our attentions are directed to one another.

How are you spending your son and daughter day?

Smores Cupcake

 

 

Ingredients:

For the graham cracker crust:

• 1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the cake:

• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon hot water
• 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1-2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup sour cream

For the frosting:

• 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two cupcake pans with paper liners.
2. In a small mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter. Mix well with a fork.
3. Drop about 1 tablespoon of the graham cracker mixture in the bottom of each cupcake liner and press down to line the bottom.
4. Bake for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and maintain the oven temperature.
5. In a small bowl, combine the cocoa powder and hot water and whisk it until it is smooth.
6. In another medium bowl combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Then, whisk it to blend.
7. Combine the butter and sugar in a medium saucepan set over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is smooth and the butter is completely melted.
8. Transfer the mixture to the bowl of an electric mixer and beat on medium-low speed until the mixture is cool, about 4-5 minutes.
9. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
10. Blend in the vanilla and then the cocoa mixture until it is smooth.
11. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in three additions alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients and mixing each addition just until incorporated.
12. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared liners, filling each about 3/4 full.
13. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 18 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through baking.
14. Let them cool in the pan about 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
15. To make the frosting, combine the egg whites, sugar and cream of tartar in a bowl set over a pan of a few inches of simmering water.
16. Heat the mixture, whisking frequently, until it reaches 160 degrees F with an instant-read thermometer.
17. Transfer the mixture to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whisk starting at low speed and gradually increasing to medium-high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form.
18. Mix in the vanilla until combined. Transfer the frosting to a pastry bag fitted with a decorative tip.
19. Brown with a kitchen torch or broiler (watch carefully!) and garnish with chocolate and graham cracker segments (optional).

Campfire s’mores martini

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 3 ounces Smirnoff Fluffed Vodka
• 1-1/2 ounces crème de cacao
• 3/4 ounce Kahlua
• 3 ounces vanilla creamer
• Ice
• 2 teaspoons melted chocolate
• Graham cracker crumbs
• 2 toasted marshmallows dipped in melted chocolate and graham cracker (optional garnish)

Directions:

1. Rim two martini glasses with graham crackers, by coating the rim with crème de cacao and then dipping in a shallow plate filled with graham crackers. Pour 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate in the bottom of each glass. Set aside.
2. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, crème de cacao, Kahlua and creamer. Shake to combine. Using a strainer, pour into two prepared martini glasses.
3. Garnish with dipped toasted marshmallows.
4. Serve and enjoy!

In recognition of S'mores Day

 S'mores cheesecake ice cream

Yields about 22 ounces

Ingredients:
 8 ounces cream cheese
 4 ounces sweetened condensed milk
 1/2 cup whipped topping
 1/4 cup milk
 1 cup marshmallow creme
 2 (1.55 ounce) milk chocolate bars, chopped
 2 graham crackers, crumbled

Directions:
1. With an electric mixer, combine cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until mostly smooth. Mix in whipped topping and milk. Transfer to a container and freeze until set.
2. Remove ice cream from freezer. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in marshmallow creme, chopped chocolate and crumbled graham crackers. (Allow to sit at room temperature for a few minutes if ice cream is too hard to stir.) Return to container and freeze until set.
3. Scoop and serve in mini graham cracker crusts (recipe below).

Mini graham cracker crusts

Yields 10

Ingredients:
 10 graham crackers
 3 tablespoons sugar
 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Pulse graham crackers in the food processor until they are ground to a fine crumb.
3. In a large bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter together.
4. Divide the mixture evenly into 10 cups of a muffin tin (about one-quarter cup scoopfuls). Press the crust into the bottom of the muffin tins and slightly up the sides.
5. Bake for about eight minutes, until browned on edges. Remove from oven and immediately tamp crusts down with a one-quarter cup measuring cup.
6. Let cool until set and carefully pop out with a knife or offset spatula.
PROJECT NAME

Acro Yoga by Equinox

Yoga By Equinox

Korean R&B (playlist)

Korean R&B (playlist)

Korean R&B (playlist)

Korean R&B (playlist)

Matt's Mood Matt Bianco HQ

Matts Mood III - Matt Bianco, featuring Basia

Matt Bianco & Basia (playlist)

Failure to parent

There is nothing more upsetting and stressful to a parent than their inability to do things they feel they should do as a parent.  I am not referring to the frivolous crap like buying them crap they don't need and probably don't deserve.  I am referring to things as simple as being able to afford to find transportation to a doctor's appointment, getting them things they need for school ( basic items), and other areas such as this.  Regardless to how strong and capable you are, when you are faced with the reality of not being able to handle the basics, it hurts your heart and breaks you down both mentally and emotionally.

Because I know and understand this pain, I have always tried to help out whenever I see someone in one of these situations (if I am able) because it does make all the difference in the world.  I don't have much, but there are times when you need to be a blessing in someone else's life. 

Personal Challenge - Lose 10 Pounds

This year I will be 44 years old.  I am looking forward to it, however this year as a gift, I would like to give myself the gift of removing 10 pounds from my person.  My birthday is 47 days away.  I think this is MORE than enough time to lose such a minimal amount of weight.  Why 10 pounds you ask?  Simply put, I want to be under 300 pounds for me.  I know some are gasping and shaking their heads and thinking...she needs to put another zero behind that, and they may be correct LOL.  However, I am working on a short term goal and this is mine.

I am open to suggestions and I will check in with my progress.  It shouldn't be too difficult, except for the fact that I forget to eat and really hate eating 5-6 small meals a day.  After a while you just get so sick of eating.  Just feels like that is all you are doing all day.  OMG...annoying.  But, I love me and I want this for me.

Just an FYI.  No I don't take medications.  No I don't have diabetes, high blood pressure, or crappy cholesterol.  With the exception of the additional fluff.....LOL, I am considerably healthy.

Wish me luck and I am open to suggestions.  This also gives me a reason to work on some lower calorie/fat foods that are tasty fun to eat.

Rehabilitated or Unrehabilitatable. That is the question.

Rehabilitation means "to restore to useful life, as through therapy and education" or "to restore to good condition, operation, or capacity".   The assumption of rehabilitation is that people are not permanently criminal and that it is possible to restore a criminal to a useful life, to a life in which they contribute to themselves and to society. (Wikipedia)

I felt it necessary to begin with this particular information before I went on with my little diatribe.  I used to believe in the entire "rehabilitation" process, but in reality, it seems that no one really believes a person is capable of being fully rehabilitated.  The assumption is that once you have made an error in your life, that is the extent of you as a person.  No matter how young or stupid you were, no matter how nonviolent,  despite the circumstance, a person is only defined by their criminal past.  Don't get me wrong, there are some people out there who are habitual offenders because it is just in them and that is all they know and have ever known.  That being said, have you ever considered how many people are out there who are, for a lack of a better way to say it, screwed because they made a bad judgement call when they were younger?

I have a friend, a beautiful person inside and out.  She is very responsible, polite, giving, and in general more decent than a lot of people you encounter in your daily life.  She is intelligent and when she does a job, does it phenomenally.  She realized that 25 years ago, after she had a brief encounter with stupidity and pride, that for the next 7-10 years, she would have to suffer and prove that she had been "rehabilitated" and worthy.  Unfortunately for her, she didn't realize that in the eyes of employers, she would forever be seen simply as a felon.  Despite how well she could/would do a job due to her skill set, how great her attendance is, how devoted to the company she may be, she could barely and rarely get her foot into a door to remain gainfully employed.

I find my heart aching for this woman because she really wants to just do well and live.  I also have to wonder how many other people are suffering this fate?  What do you do in these situations?  How do you maneuver around such a huge obstacle?  What advice could/would you give a person in this situation?  Additionally, I have to wonder if the lack of opportunity plays an intricate part in the lives of some repeat offenders.

Do you think a person can recover from a criminal error?  Is it possible for them to truly escape their brief criminal past?  Do you think someone who has committed a crime can ever be rehabilitated and be a productive member of society?  


 

Peach Kutchen Cake

Typically when I make peach kutchen, it has a chewy crust, but I wanted to try something a little different.  There is also the whole thing where not everyone enjoys the coconut, however with a few modifications, I think I am come up with a compromise.   It is almost like a peach upside down cake with the exception of the fact that once it have baked, it is flipped and baked again to add the custard like topping.  

Lemon Strawberry cake w/whipped cream cheese frosting

This was so tasty, that I had to post it.  I made it for my niece and her son for their birthday (which was on the same day) and it provided me with a "valid" reason for baking.  Technically, if the sky is blue, grey, raining, overcast, or what have you, that is a valid reason, but this sounded good. 

Change

Change is this constant in our lives that keeps us on track.  It is both a constant and unrelenting mistress which makes demands on how we conduct our lives.  Typically we know when we need to change certain situations or circumstances, but sometimes we are just lazy or afraid to walk through the doorway that lies before us.  Some change is great and some not so much (at least initially).  The worst change is change that is forced upon you.  This change is hard, brutal, stressful, and seemingly never ending.  You find yourself asking questions like:

 Why is this happening? 
What have I done to deserve so much stress?
How much longer must I endure this? 
WHY ME?!?!?!?!?


In reality there were signs that eluded to the changes that needed to be made.  Now that fact that we ignored is not changes fault.  We are lazy and/or afraid, sticking our heads in a hole as if we were on ostriches hiding from the inevitable.  You only have yourself to blame.  The funny thing is, if we had made the small changes that were needed from the start, the changes in the end would not be as major. If you make the changes when you initially notice that I change needs to occur, life becomes considerably easier, less stressful, vastly more enjoyable.

That being, I suck at it.  Although I know change is a constant in life, I am a bit stubborn when it comes to certain aspects of my life.   The funny thing is, I usually am almost completely worn out mentally and emotionally before a forced change is implemented.  Yeah, I know.  Why not just make the change?  Because my rational side knows what needs to happen, but is typically overridden by my emotional side.  That and I am kinda like a bratty child when it comes to change and I just don't wanna.  

 Don't get me wrong.  There is some change that I am on as if it were second nature.  But life is constant, and I will hopefully get a bit better with my signs and actually acting them.  I am sure I am not alone....heck I can look at my Facebook news feed and tell that I am NOT the only one, but I digress. 

Groove Breaks (playlist)

Back to Basics- Easy Homemade Vanilla Cake from Scratch

Simple Salted Caramel Recipe - How to Make Caramels

How to Make Rich Cinnamon Rolls

The Lone Ranger

According to the dictionary, the word lone means solitary, having no company, isolated, and preferring no company.  So, tell me.  How is he considered the lone ranger when Tonto is right there?  I am just saying.  Doesn't that go against the whole definition of "Lone"?

Treescape

I have a crazy love for trees.  There is just something magical about them.  The way the branches stretch out and move in different directions just as ones life does. 

How fair is the balance?

Fair Balance
The law requires that product claim ads give a "fair balance" of information about drug risks as compared with information about drug benefits. This means that the content and presentation of a drug's most important risks must be reasonably similar to the content and presentation of its benefits.
This does not mean that equal space must be given to risks and benefits in print ads, or equal time to risks and benefits in broadcast ads. The amount of time or space needed to present risk information will depend on the drug's risks and the way that both the benefits and risks are presented.

We have become entirely too dependent on pills to make it all better, but at what cost?  Will the pill do more harm than good?  Will the pill be able to help you long before it begins to hurt you?


I am sure if you have watched ten minutes of television, you have seen pharmaceutical commercials.  It is always so curious that they have all these super happy and seemingly healthy people portrayed in them, and I guess that is what they are supposed to do, but then you begin to hear the fair balance statements.  Fair balance statements are the very briskly spoken statements towards the end of commercials, that summarize the "not-so-good" aspects of the drugs.   Have you ever paid attention to some of the side effects?  I mean really it can be quite frightening.  Personally, I try not to take medications if I can help it and when possible, to use food, exercise, or relaxation techniques to remedy the problem.   I have listed 10 of the weirdest and 10 of the worst side of effects of some drugs.

Some of the Weirdest/Worst Drug Side Effects
Amnesia 
Enlarged breast (in men)
Aches and Pains
Decreased ball size
Vision problems and other oddities with your senses.
Suicidal tendencies
Hallucinations
Colored Urine
Strange sleep behaviors
Coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Pregnancy
Bowel control problems
Compulsive behavior
Birth defects
Death
                              

Eye

 

 

 

 

"The real voyage of discovery consists of not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes."                                                                                -   Marcel Proust

Life is about choices. What do you choose?

Robin Thicke - Blurred Lines ft. T.I., Pharrell

Water Challenge Update Week 1

Mega Salad

There is nothing better sometimes, than a mega salad.  I like to make these for dinner for me and my daughters to share.  It is great and quite filling.  I prefer spinach salad, but sometimes I do use a spring mix.

Fruit platters

Food Wanderings in Asia: Tim Tam Slam Ice Cream: Do It Like the Aussies!

Food Wanderings in Asia: Tim Tam Slam Ice Cream: Do It Like the Aussies!: Finally, a recipe after what seemed like eternity! It's long overdue. I'd been stuffing my face and eating out more often than s...

Tina Sugandh Music Video "Bollywood Girl"

Korean American Mommy: Panfried Pork & Scallion Mini Buns

Korean American Mommy: Panfried Pork & Scallion Mini Buns: Yum. Yum. Yum. Words can not describe the yumminess of these bite sized buns. And this is one of those dishes that I thought was incredibl...

Reality cramps

http://realitycramps.tumblr.com

Self Care

30 Day Cruch Challenge

This is a challenge that I will take.  I am going to match the crunches push ups.  I welcome others to join me.  

A Daughter's Desire

 

The bitterness inside me oozes out like pus from an infected sore.
What have I done to deserve so little from you?
I watch others as they go shopping, joking, playing, loving. 
Father/daughter dances, fatherly advice, the connection and bonding. 
Is it really too much to ask to have that?

You have been this phantom in my life.
Am I delusional to allow this specter to infiltrate my heart and my mind one who so callously throws away something as precious as a daughter.
I try to push you out of my heart and my mind, but to no avail. 
Resentment of what should be recurs like a herpes outbreak.

In a perfect world you would be there.
I would have the love and support from two instead of one.
Forgive your thoughtlessness, selfishness, and immaturity: I think not. 
You should love me, take care of me, cherish me, show me, and be an example for me. 
Instead of being the role model for what I should look for in my future mate, 
you have shown me what to avoid.
I guess I can thank you for that .

The value of time.

Have you ever scheduled an appointment and gotten the old "if you are late" speech? Well I would like to be able to enforce an "if you make me wait" speech/policy.  I do understand that people get busy and sometimes run late, but just as you want and expect me to be understanding about life's little mishaps for you, I need you to be equally as understanding.  Now don't get me wrong, I don't feel like people should just willy nilly show up when they get ready.  There should be some accountability, but it should go both ways.

Just a thought.

Jung Yeop - 가시꽃 - Thorn Flower - Bad Guy OST

Matt Bianco La luna

Basia - Astrud

Black Bean Burger - First Attempt

Doughnut Sticks w/Chocolate Sauce

Half of Your Body Weight in Ounces of Water Per Day - Are You Drinking Enough?

Half of Your Body Weight in Ounces of Water Per Day - Are You Drinking Enough?

I think this is the challenge I will try for 30 days .  If I drink half my body weight in water, will I:

• lose weight
• feel better
• have less digestive issues
• anything else that might be beneficial to my health

Happy 17th JazzyTay

High Heels for Korean Men (깔창 - kkalchang)

10 Minute meal

 I am a fan of quick and easy.  For lunch today I decided on ramen, but who wants just plain old ramen?  Yeah me either.  So, I did a one pan dish that took all of 10 minutes to cook.  I started with 1 Italian sausage link like the one pictured.  Literally, a handful of spinach.  Now the amount of spinach you use is dependent on how much you like spinach.  So, back to the handful of spinach.  I take the handful and rough chop it into more bite-sized pieces or nice shreds.  Ok, so for those of you who do not have fresh spinach on hand, you can use half a box of chopped frozen spinach.

Begin by browning the Italian sausage in a skillet along with 1 tbsp of minced garlic.  Now, I use a lot of garlic, so I buy it by the jar for quick use.  If you are ambitious and would like to mince it yourself....GO FOR IT!!!!   

Once sausage is browned and mixed with garlic, add in the spinach and let it cook until it wilts slightly.

Your mixture should look a little like this  ===>

Add in one pack of ramen.  Now I used pork this time because I am using a pork sausage and was just feeling that way I suppose.  If you like a different one, then use that.  Whatever floats your boat.  Make sure you add the seasoning package also and crush up the noodles a bit so they are easier to eat.  Now if you like them all long and unruly, knock yourself out.  I added about 1 1/2 - 1 3/4 cups of water.  The amount of water you add should do two things.  1.  Be enough water for the noodles to cook in, and 2.  alters the amount of saltiness you will get.  I am not a huge salt person so I tend to give myself more soup so the saltiness will not overpower my poor little taste buds.  Another thing you need to consider is how you like to eat your noodles.  I don't like mine all soggy and try to get a good cooked but slightly firm noodle.  It should look a little like this below once it is pretty much done. 

 

 The finished product should look a little like this.  You can always add a little heat to it with either a dash of cayenne or you can add a boiled egg.  Whatever other additives you would like to add to enhance your experience go for it.  I like to make this for either lunch or when I am looking for a lazy dinner.  It is filling and pretty darn tasty.  Of course you can modify the sausage to be a turkey Italian sausage or ground beef./turkey/chicken/pork.  whatever your like, don't deny yourself, throw it in and enjoy.  It is all about the experience and the enjoyment.

Ponderances

This is something that came to me years ago and I find that it still provides me with a level of comfort when life gets a little more challenging than I would like.  I hope that this can provide a little reassurance,comfort, or whatever some one may need upon reading it.

S t r e n g t h . . . . . .

We don't always have to be strong to be strong.
Sometimes our strength is expressed in being vulnerable.
Sometimes we need to fall apart to regroup and stay on track. . . . . . .
We all have days when we cannot push any harder, cannot hold back
self-doubt, cannot stop focusing on fear, cannot be strong. . . . . . .
There are days when we cannot focus on being responsible.
Occasionally, we don't want to get out of our pajamas.
Sometimes we cry in front of people.
We expose our tiredness, irritability, or anger.
Those days are okay.
They are just okay. . . . . .
Part of taking care of ourselves means we give ourselves permission to "fall
apart" when we need to.
We do not need to be perpetual towers of strength.
We ARE strong. We have proven that. . . . . . .
Our strength will continue if we allow ourselves the courage to feel scared,
weak, and vulnerable when we need to experience those feelings. . . . . . .
Today, help me to know that is it okay to allow myself to be human.
Help me not to feel guilty or punish myself when I need to "fall apart."

A touch of beauty.

Found this picture and wanted to share it.  There is just something very pure and simple about this flower, yet it can bring a calmness over me just to see it.  I wonder if it smells as pretty and exotic as it looks.  Is the surrounding flora just as beautiful?  It brings me back to my visit to the rain forest in Puerto Rico.  That is a place I would love to go back and visit when I have more time on my hands to explore. 

To sabotage or not to sabotage. That is the problem.

I have found that there are 2 major types of sabotage...at least in my life.


Friendly Sabotage and Self Sabotage.



Self sabotage is the most destructive as you are pretty much screwing yourself.   Sometimes it is so subtle that you don't realize that you are doing it...then one day...you find the missing piece of the puzzle and you're  way out of the maze that is your self-doubt.  Although you may think..."How could anyone do that?" You would be amazed that it is quite easy to do.  Some miscellaneous thought that has been implanted in you early on in childhood that makes you constantly strive for perfection in that particular area.  You may have possibly done exceedingly well in that area all your life. Then one day, you begin to fear that you can't do whatever it that "thing" is...so you either don't try so that way if you fail, it was because you weren't trying....OR. you do other little things that will eventually prove negative and lead to failure.   The question to be answered is: How do you stop the self sabotage?



Do you sabotage yourself? Did you ever sabotage yourself? Do you know someone who self sabotages?



Now, the friendly sabotage is another beast in it's own right.  This is where you have a person who claims to be your friend, but you begin to notice over time, that they don't really like you however they can't seem to stay away.  They are in constant competition with you about one thing or another... and seem to relish in your misery.  They also tend to want to come to your rescue, to prove you "need" them and tend to become very upset if you don't ask for their assistance.  Personally, I like to play with a person who is straddling the fence of being a real friend.  I enjoy making them work harder to compete with me.


Why you ask?  Because I am always happy for my friends and all that they accomplish.  I try to support them in whatever they do even if it isn't something that I especially care for.  That is what a friend does.  So when I have someone in my life who is trying to cause me harm emotionally , I tend to want to get even...... make them work very hard......and then get rid of them.


Do you have someone who is committing friendly sabotage?  What do you do about it?

Simple, quick, and tasty.

So  with the day being so beautiful, I didn't want to spend all my day inside preparing dinner, so I decided to do simple and satisfying: Tomato, cucumber, and onion salad w/grilled Italian chicken thighs.

Tomato, Cucumber, Onion Salad

• 2 cucumbers (peeled and sliced thinly)
• 1 pint cherry tomato or you could dice up 1 large tomato
• 1 Red or Vidalia  onion (depending on your preference)
• 3 tbsp  Marzetti Sweet Italian  

Mix all ingredients together and allow to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or could be made the night before so that the flavors have time to mix well.   You may also add green pepper slices if you desire.

**Some people like to add 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar and olive oil or zesty Italian dressing.

Italian Fiesta Chicken

       

• 1 4lb bag of chicken thighs. (I used the Great Value brand from WalMart).
• 3 lb chicken legs
• 1 pkg Hidden Valley Farms Fiesta Ranch Dip
• 1 8oz bottle Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing

Place chicken in a bowl and mix in ranch and itlaian dressing until every piece is covered.  Allow chicken to marinate for at least an hour, but ideally this is best if you put it together the night before or before you go to work in the morning.   I am not sure about you guys, but I prefer grilling on a charcoal grill.  There is just something about the smokey flavor and essence derived from grilling with charcoal.  That being said, you are welcome to use whatever method you prefer.  Some people like the indoor George Forman grills, propane, blah, blah, blah.  Do what makes you happy and what is easier for you.

I hope you enjoy.  Also, if you want to have a bit more of a kick, add a dash of cayenne.  
  

Welcome to my world.

 

 

Simplicity is generally defined as a state or quality of being simple and that is how I like to live my life.  I am a simple woman who enjoys the little things in life.  I enjoy cooking, experimenting, crafting, and trying to keep my sanity while dealing with 16 (almost 17 in 2 weeks) year old twin daughters.  I invite you to come peek in on my journey and have laughs, cries, or both.  Whatever it is that you wish to get out of it, I hope you find it and feel welcome.